FY 2026-2027 Proposed Budget

Supported the community investment budget on behalf of the Universal Tech Movement, highlighting workforce development and tech training.

Stressed the importance of rapid rehousing and intensive case management for older adults experiencing homelessness.

Demanded a racial and educational equity impact statement on the proposed budget and called for no raises for APD.

Supported the community investment budget and highlighted workforce training as a preventive measure for community safety.

Spoke as a social worker and board member for Family Eldercare, urging investment in prevention services for older adults.

Expressed concern over city employee healthcare cost increases while proposing a permanent raise for APD.

Stated that increasing APD's budget while cutting social services sends the wrong message, citing recent use-of-force incidents.

Argued that funding social services increases safety more effectively than police spending.

Strongly opposed additional funding for APD and cuts to social service contracts.

Supported the community investment budget, opposed APD budget increases, and called for an independent 911 dispatch department.

Called for better management models, harm reduction, and conflict resolution in city budgeting.

Discussed crime statistics and clarified that police budget increases largely reflect indirect support services.

Encouraged preservation of proposed funding increases for police, fire, and EMS to maintain service levels.

Expressed appreciation for public safety prioritization and support for first responder resources.

Asked council to reject new spending, conduct audits, and prioritize efficiency before raising taxes.

Supported workforce development and violence prevention funding through the community investment budget.

Requested maintenance of current funding for Austin PBS's Play to Learn program.

Encouraged council to listen to grassroots groups, preserve public goods, and keep the police budget flat.

Addressed proposed cuts to the Fresh for Less mobile market program and food access initiatives.

Asked council to reinstate social service cuts and keep the APD budget flat, highlighting Fresh for Less.

Supported the community investment budget and highlighted economic returns of job training.

Expressed concern over recent use of force incidents and advocated for de-escalatory crisis intervention.

Offered prayers and support for council members facing difficult budget decisions.

Highlighted the shortage of accessible mental health services and urged halting funding cuts for senior and mental health programs.

Spoke as a 93-year-old resident in affordable housing, asking council to protect programs for older adults.

Spoke in support of the community investment budget and criticized police spending priorities.

Spoke as an AFSCME member urging a progressive COLA structure for lower-paid city workers and setting the tax rate at the ceiling.

Urged protection and increase of community violence intervention funding.

Requested greater clarity in budget documents and presentations for public understanding.

Challenged council to reimagine public safety and reject cuts to social service contracts.

Emphasized the connection between workforce development and community stability.

Expressed opposition to the proposed budget and supported community investment budget priorities.

Advocated for continued investment in evidence-informed community violence intervention strategies.

Highlighted Austin as a national example of evidence-based violence prevention and urged sustained funding.

Spoke as President of the Austin Firefighters Association regarding staffing, overtime transparency, and operational support.

Testified against the proposed budget and increased police spending.

Spoke about supportive housing for older adults and the importance of nonprofit funding.

Urged keeping the police budget flat and preserving community-based social programs.

Expressed support for the community investment budget and opposed APD budget increases.