Today, the Austin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to support the tentative agreement between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association for a new, five-year police contract. Improving public safety has been a top priority for our organization, and we have long advocated for a new contract that will enhance the City’s overall safety efforts. This long-term agreement includes critical investments in our police workforce that will help retain officers and improve the Austin Police Department’s (APD) efforts to recruit new cadets. With APD facing a shortage of over 300 sworn officers, this agreement will provide the stability and confidence needed for the Department to close this gap.

Importantly, this agreement includes meaningful oversight and accountability measures that are vital to maintaining trust between Austin citizens and our police workforce. As Austin City Council reviews the contents of this agreement, the Austin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors encourages Councilmembers to approve this contract. It is time to move forward with enhancing public safety in our city to ensure that Austin remains a great place to live, work and raise a family, and for business to thrive.

Sincerely,

Rudy Garza
Board Chair, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

VOICE YOUR SUPPORT

1. Click the links below to send an email to the Mayor and City Council expressing your support of the new contract, and encourage your coworkers and associates to do the same. Please make sure to bcc: advocate@austinchamber.com on the email you are sending. It's important to us to hear from our members about the issues that matter.

2. Mark your calendar to speak at the City Council meeting on October 10th. Online registration for in-person and remote speakers begins at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7th. In-person registration is available in the City Hall Atrium. You can find all sign-up instructions here.