Ahead of this month’s budget workshops, city staff have released estimates that it will take more than $100 million in additional funding to sustain and expand the local homelessness response system as the expiration of federal pandemic relief aid approaches and long-term capital and service demands continue to grow.
The memo from Homeless Strategy Officer David Gray, offers a detailed response to a City Council resolution approved in January that directed city staff to identify priorities, costs, and potential administrative changes required to ensure continuity in critical homelessness programs.
The analysis assumed a system-wide framework, focusing on prevention and diversion, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. According to the report, Austin’s current homelessness-response infrastructure is at risk of losing several key components as one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act funds sunset…