Austin Public Health releases consultant’s ‘Community Violence Intervention Strategy’ report

June 13, 2026 - 01:10

Austin Public Health has released a consulting firm's report on a new "Community Violence Intervention Strategy," marking what officials describe as an initial step toward building a comprehensive public health approach to violence. The report, distributed in a Monday memo, outlines a framework aimed at treating violence as a preventable condition rather than just a criminal justice issue.

The strategy focuses on identifying individuals at the highest risk of being involved in shootings or other violent acts, then connecting them with targeted support services. These services include case management, mental health counseling, job training, and mediation. The consultant's findings emphasize the need for community-based organizations to take the lead, with the city providing funding and coordination.

Officials stated that the report is not a final plan but a starting point for discussion and further development. The next phase will involve gathering input from local residents, law enforcement, and nonprofit groups to refine the approach. The goal is to shift resources toward early intervention and prevention, reducing the reliance on policing and incarceration as the primary responses to violence.

The release of the report comes amid ongoing debates in Austin about public safety and the most effective ways to address rising concerns over gun violence and neighborhood conflicts. While no specific funding or timeline has been announced, the memo signals a formal commitment from the health department to embed violence prevention into its broader public health work.