Homelessness is a growing challenge in Austin, and has become the dominant topic of political conversation locally this summer. According to data from the Ending Community Homeless Coalition, or ECHO,, the number of people in Austin who experience homelessness for any amount of time has increased by 13.3% over the last four years. In June, Austin City Council passed an ordinance lifting a ban on homeless individuals camping, sitting and lying down in certain public areas. As the city works through its plan to combat homelessness, it has held a series of panels to engage the community in conversation. The first panel discussion was held Aug. 21 at the Austin Convention Center. On Aug. 29, homeless service providers and community leaders again responded to questions from the community in a town hall at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library on the University of Texas campus. Questions from audience members echoed a number of common refrains heard from the community, including questions about where public camping is and is not allowed, how many homeless are coming in from places outside of Austin and what the city is doing to protect residents. The town hall was moderated by Steven Pedigo, a professor at LBJ School of Public Affairs. Panelists included Mayor Steve Adler, Austin Police Department Chief Brian Manley, LifeWorks CEO Susan McDowell, ECHO Executive Director Matthew Mollica, community advocate Chris Harris, LBJ School professor Sherri Greenberg and Bill Brice, vice president of investor relations for Downtown Austin Alliance.