In a final ask-the-mayor interview with KTBC-TV Fox 7, outgoing Austin Mayor Steve Adler finally laid down his cards regarding the strategy behind his widely criticized homelessness policies.
Observers have for the last three years scratched their heads over Adler's apparent recklessness -- the sudden removal of a public camping policy in 2019 (which he admitted did not work), a behind-the-scenes order to require Council members to identify a hotel or other building in each Council district to convert into a small shelters for millions of dollars each, and numerous other controversial decisions regarding homelessness and pubic safety in Texas's capital city. This was during a period of economic struggle, an increase in crime, and law enforcement/public safety funding cuts, leading numerous organizations to rally to "save Austin," plus action from the Texas Legislature and Governor.
Now we know why: Adler's agenda was designed to make a political point.
"... The disruption associated with our community seeing the people who were experiencing homelessness was something that had to happen." (Watch at 3:20)
