Austin Mayor Kirk Watson Urges Central Health to Prioritize Mental Health Funding, Threatens Tax Rate Increase Opposition
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has publicly urged Central Health, Travis County's healthcare agency for low-income residents, to significantly increase its investment in mental health initiatives, particularly the 'No Wrong Door' program. Watson's call comes as Travis County commissioners prepare to vote on Central Health's proposed budget, which includes a 6% property tax rate increase. The Mayor emphasized the 'immediate and urgent need' for inpatient psychiatric care, citing a report from the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute that identified at least 950 individuals in Austin experiencing homelessness due to behavioral health challenges. Watson explicitly stated that he would not support Central Health's proposed tax rate increase unless the agency commits to substantial funding for the 'No Wrong Door' program, which aims to reduce cycles of arrests, emergency room visits, and homelessness among individuals with complex social and behavioral health needs. The proposed budget allocates $54 million for new...
