Austin, Travis County leaders commit to expanded violence prevention efforts

"These programs get to the root of violence and give alternative pathways to thrive. We know this works, and since we know that we have to ask, ‘Why are we not doing more?’" Velásquez said in an interview. "This resolution starts to explore that question and takes the next steps. It will bring together those with lived experience, proven strategies and deep understanding of what our communities need so that we can create a comprehensive plan as we move forward.”

On the county side, commissioners and District Attorney José Garza have been promoting several community and criminal justice projects as well. Much of the county's recent work stemmed from a gun violence reduction strategy announced by the district attorney's office in 2021.

Garza said that's been aimed at both traditional and "innovative" prosecution strategies to ensure legal accountability for violent acts while reducing recidivism. Other elements of that plan included a victim-centered approach and a sharper focus on domestic violence incidents, which he said contribute to a large share of local gun deaths.

“The data’s really clear that people who are victims of gun violence once have a dramatically increased likelihood of being victims of gun violence subsequently. And we know that too often, victims of gun violence today can be perpetrators of gun violence tomorrow if we don’t intervene," he said in an interview.

A closer look

With the passage of the city direction this spring, Austin's OVP is expected to enter into a new strategic agreement with Travis County intended to support their violence reduction programs. Elected and law enforcement officials with the city and county are also expected to work with community groups and advocates on a "comprehensive public health and safety plan," according to the resolution.

"I want to be able to report to these groups, and for these groups to feel comfortable that we are putting a premium on the work that they’re doing. Because CVI saves lives. That’s just a fact," Velásquez said.

According to OVP Director Michelle Myles, the office has helped reached thousands of Austinites since its creation through:

• The Harvest Trauma Recovery Center
• ATX Peace violence interruption
• New gun surrender policies and related public education
• Conflict resolution interventions for children and families
• The Lock Arms for Life safe gun lock campaign
• The Address Your Stress campaign to prevent violence escalation
• The first Actualizing Peace Convening between community groups and government representatives, held this April

"OVP looks forward to participating in these initiatives and developing plans that create safer, more peaceful conditions for those most impacted by violence in our community," she said of the new collaborative resolution. "Through this process we hope to elevate our platform and capacity to develop the skills, connections, and resources in Austin that make peace and safety accessible to all residents."

Garza credited current and former Austin officials for their partnership so far and said strengthening those ties could lead to improvements in the community. In April, he also linked a local decline in homicides since 2021 to the continuing initiatives.

"It is highly likely that people that ATX Peace are working with, that there’s going to be some of the same people that the Trauma Recovery Center is working with, that the Hospital-based Violence Intervention Program is working with, and that may come into contact with the Austin Police Department or with our office," he said. "It’s really important that all of these pieces are talking to each other and sharing information about what steps have been taken, what work has been done, so that we’re doing all that we can to give people an opportunity to be safe and to thrive.”

Going forward

Building off the April peace gathering, Myles said the OVP will continue to meet with relevant agencies and organizations with ties to violence prevention work as the new strategic plan comes together. She also said smaller peace convenings are being planned around the city to continue connecting with residents on the issue.

Garza said he expects to see continued violence reduction trends, and government responses to violence. However, he also cautioned that "dramatic" federal public safety grant cuts at the Department of Justice could threaten local progress. On June 6, he and County Attorney Delia Garza joined a lawsuit against the lost grant funding under the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs.

"This is really a moment where we have to be clear that the arbitrary funding cuts that are happening in Washington, D.C., are going to have a negative impact on our public safety. We may not see them right away, but they are coming," he said. "We feel like we have to do everything we can to stop those cuts, and to make our community aware that these cuts are happening and that they will negatively impact our public safety.”

Velásquez said the renewed focus on violence prevention, and improved public awareness, remain key priorities for his office and the city.

“I lost a little brother in 2009 to gang violence and street violence, and for me this is a very personal issue," he said. "Being able to help inform that with lived experience and bringing it to the dais so more of my colleagues understand what is happening with CVI and OVP, it may always be in the back of peoples’ mind, but until it lands on your doorstep it’s really hard to understand the depth of an impact of this work.”

More information is available from the OVP online or by emailing [email protected].