Williamson County hires San Antonio law firm in Austin hotel for homeless housing

The council’s push to purchase the 83-room hotel in February is part of its strategy to convert hotels and motels into transitional and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness. Williamson County officials argue they were not informed about the project nor how the city plans to address any potential impacts.

Commissioner Cynthia Long, who represents the portion of Williamson County in which the hotel will be placed, said in addition to the lack of communication, she is concerned about the financial impact the hotel purchase will have on county.

“Earliest documentation related to this goes back to 2019,” Long said. “This was not something that just happened. City of Austin staff and the former council member were working on this for months, if not years, with no communication whatsoever to the school district, to Williamson County, to the surrounding businesses [and] to the surrounding neighbors who are going to be impacted in a huge way.”

Long added that if issues arise with the hotel’s guests and law enforcement, they will be placed in the Williamson County jail and if needed, use county mental health resources.

“[Austin City Council is] putting it upon others without even consulting others,” she said.

The court voted Feb. 2 to request Austin City Council to delay the project 90 days to allow time for impact studies to be completed. Council voted Feb. 4 to move forward nonetheless.

On Feb. 9, Williamson County commissioners directed staff to search for a law firm to represent it in this matter.

Community members and local business owners have spoken out against the project stating it will negatively impact property values and businesses.

Others have said the hotel location is not near any additional wrap-around services that will be needed to address homelessness in Austin including health care services, job opportunities and easy access to transportation.

“I'm not at all trying to portray that we don't have a responsibility as individuals to help with the homeless situation,” Long said. “My comments are related to the costs associated that Austin just doesn't seem to care.”

Williamson County has not yet taken any formal legal action.