People forced to move from under I-35 near police headquarters said they weren't offered housing or services. Advocates say that's endemic of a larger equity issue within Austin's response to homelessness.
Tuesday was the first day in nearly two years with a ban in place on camping in public spaces, meaning anyone living anywhere without a roof over their head was probably doing so unlawfully.
The camping ban under Proposition B, which was approved in a citywide vote May 1, can eventually lead to citations, forced removal of tents and, if necessary, arrests.
But the answer on Tuesday was no: No one was forcing anyone out just yet.
In a phased enforcement strategy aimed at executing the will of the voters but in a deliberate and compassionate way, city staffers said they will spend the next four weeks educating the homeless population on the new laws rather than taking punitive action.