Austin Mayor Kirk Watson Denies Direct Contact with Cicero Institute Regarding Homelessness Initiative, City Staff Confirm Meetings
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has stated that his office has had no direct contact with the Cicero Institute concerning the city's new homelessness program, 'No Wrong Door.' This program, launched in spring, aims to assist individuals with complex mental health issues who frequently cycle through homelessness, jail, and hospital treatment. However, David Gray of the city’s Homeless Strategies and Operations department confirmed meeting with the Cicero Institute and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Carrie Rogers from the city’s Government Relations office also attended a meeting with these groups. Gray explained that his department engages with various organizations, regardless of political affiliation, to educate them on the city's work and potentially gain support for their initiatives. The 'No Wrong Door' program is a collaborative effort involving 17 groups, including public safety agencies, hospitals, and nonprofits, to create individualized treatment plans for vulnerable residents. A study by the Meadow...
