Turning Point USA reported that the Texas Harm Reduction Alliance (THRA) has received nearly $6 million from the city of Austin since 2019. The funding is intended to cover services for the city's homeless population, according to the report. As part of those services, THRA distributes free drug paraphernalia, including pipes for methamphetamine and syringes for heroin or similar opioids, and runs sites where people can use drugs.
Supporters of harm reduction say that giving users clean supplies reduces the spread of communicable diseases. City Journal has criticized the approach, calling its research ideologically driven and saying it ignores the views of former addicts and nearby residents. The report also quoted interviews with owners and employees of businesses downtown and on the east side. They described frequent drug use, public defecation and aggressive behavior near their storefronts. Some said they had installed security cameras, steel barriers and locks, and said they often do not call police because they believe officers are too busy, unhelpful or limited by current laws.
The report comes as Austin voters consider Proposition I. The measure would amend the city charter to require independent audits of municipal finances every five years. It would also require an audit before the city could call a future tax rate election. The city currently conducts internal audits. The audit measure appears at the bottom of the ballot.