Item 6 - Draft Recommendation - Inclement weather response and decentralized intake model — original pdf

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RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number: 20260202-006: Inclement weather response and decentralized intake model WHEREAS, The Austin Public Safety Commission serves as an advisory body to the city council on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin has been continually improving and growing their inclement weather response as the city faces an increasing number of storms and extreme weather events; and WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has received briefings from Austin Emergency Management and Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations on inclement weather response; and WHEREAS, throughout the course of those discussions the commission has expressed a need for multiple embarkation points for inclement weather response; and WHEREAS, HSEM locates emergency shelter in close proximity to impacted neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, inclement weather impacts residents across every district in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, CAPMetro limits service during inclement weather; and WHEREAS, our unhoused neighbors reside all over the city with limited access to transportation and means for securing belongings during inclement weather emergencies. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Public Safety Commission recommends Austin Emergency Management and Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations shift to a decentralized intake model for inclement weather shelter operations to ensure equitable and safe access across all districts. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Public Safety Commission recommends further exploration and assessment of alternative intake models in collaboration with service providers to improve safety for residents as they access emergency services. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________