Public safety concerns are on the rise in Austin, prompting increased attention from Texans and their elected officials. In 2022, both the violent crime rate and the property crime rate in Austin were higher than the national average (U.S. News & World Report, n.d.). Further, Austin’s homicide rate was “trending above the state and national average” as of July 2024 (Velez, 2024). “The last four years have definitely been the most murderers that we’ve ever had,” the Austin Police Department reported (Velez, 2024). The challenges surrounding public safety have been compounded by Austin’s management of its law enforcement resources. A key factor in this issue is the jurisdictional divide in the city. The area surrounding the Capitol, along with numerous other owned buildings, does not fall under the City of Austin’s authority. Instead, this region, known as the Capitol Complex, is under state jurisdiction.
Local Government
Growing Pains: The Cost and Contribution of Impact Fees in Texas
Texas’s rapidly growing population requires new infrastructure and improvements, which oftentimes come at great expense. To fund these projects, local officials often impose impact fees on new development—but their use comes at a cost. Key points: Texas is the fastest-growing state in the nation. As such, it has robust infrastructure requirements. To help finance capital...
August 12, 2026