Poll: Majority supports full funding for Austin PD; indicates unrest with City Council

A poll commissioned by the Greater Austin Crime Commission helps confirm that there is growing dissatisfaction with the direction the Austin City Council and the Travis County Commissioners Court has taken the city.

Some takeaways from the poll:

• 53% responded they oppose slashing funding for the Austin Police Department
• 40% responded they support reducing funding for APD
• 47% responded city is on "wrong track"
• 34% responded city is going in "right direction"
• 84% responded they are dissatisfied with the city's homelessness policy
• 74% responded they are dissatisfied with how traffic is being addressed
• 92% responded they feel safe at home and in their neighborhoods
• 56% responded they feel safe downtown
• 80+% responded they are satisfied with Austin Fire and county EMS

“Most Austin voters oppose reducing police positions,” said Corby Jastrow, president of the Greater Austin Crime Commission, in a press release. “There is strong community support for police reform but not cutting cops when violent crime is increasing and response times are slower.”

The survey was conducted from July 14 to 17 of likely Austin voters.  

“The Austin City Council should invest in public safety reform and reject budget cuts that put the community at risk,” said retired Adm. Bobby R. Inman, former president of the Greater Austin Crime Commission, in the release. “Austin voters strongly back Chief Brian Manley and the Austin Police Department.”

Resistance is beginning to grow. 

The Travis County Republican Party was among a handful of entities that opposed de-funding the Austin Police Department, though public support is strong for keeping funding. 

Last week, Save Austin Now delivered a sufficient number of petitions to City Hall to place a referendum on November's ballot to roll back the camping ordinance. 

District 6 City Council challenger Mackenzie Kelly has called out incumbent Jimmy Flannigan for supporting not only de-funding and decentralizing the police but demolishing Austin Police Headquarters.