Austin Mayor Steve Adler defends controversial homeless policy.
Homelessness and homeless camping remain a major issue in Austin despite the city’s voters’ overwhelming rejection of the permissive camping policy Mayor Steve Adler and the city council approved in 2019. That policy allowed nearly unfettered camping citywide, leading very quickly to tent cities popping up in medians, under overpasses, and on sidewalks in front of businesses all over the city.
The city council has approved the purchase of hotels to house homeless people over the past couple of years, and going by Thursday’s meeting agenda addendum it’s set to buy another one. See item 89.
The group says the alternative is cheaper and can hold more people. Author: Shawna M Reding Updated: 12:35 PM CDT June 9, 2021
The Hilton Austin Airport hotel is located at 9515 Hotel Drive, right next to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Candlewood Suites hotel is within the Austin city limits, but it also lies in Williamson County.
The pending purchase of Candlewood Suites has been upsetting residents, business owners and leaders in the county. Stop Candlewood – a coalition of families, businesses and community members – announced at 11 a.m. Wednesday that the Hilton Austin Airport hotel could serve as a different location for the City of Austin to use.
The College National Finals Rodeo is returning to Casper this summer, and various community members are offering their support, including 17 hotels that are donating 70 rooms and up to 840 room nights. In total, the value of this move equals $114,515.64.
Get our free mobile app
The lodging properties that donated the rooms are: Candlewood Suites, Clarion Inn at Platte River, Comfort Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn, Econo Lodge, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Casper East – Medical Center, LaQuinta, Mainstay Suites, Quality Inn, Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center, Residence Inn by Marriott, Sleep Inn & Suites, Super 8-West and Timberline Hospitalities.