City releases more details on proposed sanctioned homeless campsites

The resolution directs the city manager to provide information and analysis on the possibility of sanctioned encampments for the homeless in Austin.

AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin has released more specifics regarding its plan to create sanctioned homeless campsites.

This comes after Prop B was approved by voters and went into effect on Thursday. Phase one of implementation is currently underway, which focuses on awareness and verbal warnings.

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Wednesday marks day two of Austin’s homeless camping ban, as we hear from city officials about exactly how enforcement will work in the weeks and months ahead. FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak finds that not everyone agrees with the gradual approach the city is taking.

On Friday, the City released a memo detailing what each sanctioned site should include and what the estimated costs will be.

According to the memo, the City is currently reviewing more than 70 city-owned properties as possible site locations, with the goal of having at least one in each district. The memo did not list any specific locations.

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Each site is expected to have electricity and water, restrooms, lighting, hygiene stations and 24/7 security. "Services offered on-site should address basic needs, while maintaining a housing focus, prioritizing connection to permanent housing resources," according to the memo.

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The City of Austin voted loud and clear in favor of Prop B to reinstate the camping ban. Austin leaders introduced a 4-phase plan to do just that.

The estimated cost for one site holding 50 people is more than $1.3 million. An 80-person site would cost more than $1.8 million.

"It is not inexpensive and I share the sentiment that others have expressed that it’s far better to invest in permanent housing solutions," said Councilmember Kathie Tovo, who pushed for information on proposed sites to be released by Friday. "That being said, we need to move forward in a direction that allows people to move from the areas where they are currently camping into safer spaces."

Next steps as Austin's homeless camping ban officially back in effect

It is now illegal to camp in most areas of Austin, sit or lie downtown or near the University of Texas, or panhandle at night.

In the next two steps of the reporting process, staff will be looking at costs, financial resources, and land that can accommodate "tiny homes".

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By June 1st, staff is directed to provide information regarding:

A proposed implementation schedule
Estimated total costs
Potential financial resources
Possible community partners for cost-sharing and/or service provision

By July 1st, staff will identify:

Land within city limits owned by the City, other governmental entities, or willing community partners that could accommodate ‘tiny home’ structures to serve as temporary housing
Estimated costs associated with individual structures and supportive infrastructure

During the May 18 Council Work Session, staff will present an overview of this strategy including potential land options for encampments and safe overnight parking, says the city.