Addressing Problem Properties: Legal and Policy Tools for Safer Rundberg and Safer Austin

This Report provides information and recommendations on legal and policy tools that could be utilized to improve public safety and the quality of life in the Rundberg area of Austin by addressing problem properties. We prepared this report specifically to help inform community and city efforts in the Restore Rundberg Initiative. The Initiative, which is funded in part by a $1 million Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, is being administered by the Austin Police Department in order to “improve the quality of life, health, safety, education, and well being of everyone living and working in the Rundberg Neighborhood.” While we focus on the Rundberg area, our policy recommendations are applicable citywide and to any Austin neighborhood confronted with problem properties.