Former Dallas police chief tapped to oversee Austin public safety departments

Once in Austin, Garcia will oversee APD and the forensics office, the Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, the Downtown Austin Community Court, and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

"I am excited to welcome Mr. Garcia as our new assistant city manager over public safety," Broadnax said in a statement. "His extensive experience and deep commitment to the communities he serves makes him the ideal leader to join my executive team. I am confident that under his leadership, our public safety efforts will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our growing city."

Broadnax highlighted Garcia's efforts related to police use of force, development of a crime plan and the creation of a community advisory board in Dallas in a Sept. 19 memo to City Council. He also said Garcia's history in public safety included experience building up community trust, transparency and constitutional policing.

Garcia is currently president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association. Prior to his more than three years leading DPD, he spent almost three decades with the San Jose Police Department in multiple roles.

The city didn't provide Garcia's salary as of press time. Austin's other assistant city managers are making between $271,066-$298,501 this fiscal year.

What they're saying

Mayor Kirk Watson said he was pleased with Garcia's appointment, crediting the former Dallas chief for being a "seasoned, successful leader."

"He will help us in supporting our public safety professionals, and he understands what it means to build community trust. This is a huge win for our community," Watson said in a social media post.

Council member Mackenzie Kelly also expressed satisfaction with the news of Broadnax's selection.

"Garcia’s experience in public safety, community engagement and innovative crime reduction initiatives make him a great fit for Austin. His professional leadership shows his dedication to community safety, and I look forward to working with him to enhance public safety in Austin," she said in a statement.

Some context

Garcia is one of several City Hall appointees coming to Austin from Dallas this year after Broadnax was chosen as Austin's city manager early this spring.

Broadnax brought on Genesis D. Gavino, his former chief of staff and Dallas resilience officer, as his special assistant in June. She was also joined that month by former Dallas Assistant City Manager Jon Fortune, who now serves as deputy city manager. Fortune now oversees Austin's public safety departments on an interim basis.

Garcia's hire comes as Broadnax has focused on public safety issues, particularly related to APD, since arriving in the city. His initial priorities included hiring a new police chief and finalizing a new contract with the Austin Police Association. Lisa Davis was named chief this summer and began work in September, while police labor negotiations remain in progress.

Garcia's role is separate from a newly created assistant city manager position tied to the police department that was announced—but never officially filled—by former interim City Manager Jesus Garza.

Former APD Chief Art Acevedo was tapped for that job early this year but withdrew amid community criticism and City Council opposition.