Austin Council’s Unanimous Support for Five Police Reform Resolutions

During Tuesday’s Austin City Council Work Session, every member of the City Council signed as co-sponsors for five resolutions, essentially ensuring that these resolutions pass unanimously on Thursday’s Regular Meeting.

Although resolutions may pass unanimously during a regular meeting, this level of sponsorship is unusual prior to formal voting. Ordinarily, only four or five council members will sign as co-sponsors.

The unanimously supported items were:

Item 50: Approve a resolution setting a goal of zero racial disparity in certain metrics under the Safety strategic outcome in Strategic Direction 2023 other racial equity metrics and baseline analyses.
Item 93: Approve an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 2 relating to City Council committees and the Municipal Court; creating a Public Safety Committee; and declaring an emergency.
Item 94: Approve a resolution relating to tenant selection policies and procedures for individuals with prior convictions or evictions.
Item 95: Approve a resolution relating to City of Austin policies on police use of force; on police munitions, equipment, and technology; on policing tactics; and on the upcoming cadet class.
Item 96: Approve a resolution relating to Council direction for the FY 2020-21 budget and creating reporting requirements for Austin Police Department General Orders.

These discussions follow last week’s controversial, symbolic vote regarding additional funding to the Austin Police Department, which split council with a 7-4 vote.

The four dissenting votes were cast by Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza and Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison (District 1), Greg Casar (District 4) and Jimmy Flannigan (District 6). Those four authored the unanimously approved resolutions and will lead the Council Public Safety Committee, upon passage of Item 93 on Thursday.

For questions or comments, contact us at: info@binghamgp.com

//The Bingham Group Team

AJ BinghamJune 10, 2020