AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin’s Homeless Strategies and Operations Department (AHSO) has released its 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, outlining a two-year roadmap aimed at strengthening the city’s response to homelessness.
In a memo dated February 17, 2026, AHSO Director David Gray shared the plan with the Mayor and City Council, describing it as a milestone for the department, which became a standalone city department in 2023.
“The strategic plan marks a milestone for Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations as a standalone roadmap for the future,” Gray wrote. “It builds on years of work to strengthen Austin’s homelessness response, setting a clear foundation for the next phase of impact.”
The plan is built around a bold vision: ensuring everyone in Austin has access to stable housing and the support they need to thrive. It outlines five key focus areas that will guide the department’s work over the next two years:
System LeadershipImpactful Community InvestmentsCrisis Response System ManagementCommunicationsInvest in Our People
According to the department, the strategic plan was developed over eight months and included internal staff collaboration, as well as input from 36 community organizations, healthcare providers, individuals with lived experience, county agencies, and other city departments.
AHSO states that it will prioritize expanding diversion and prevention programs, strengthening rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing efforts, increasing shelter capacity by 650 beds, and establishing two housing navigation centers. The plan also calls for improved data tracking through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), expanded public-private funding efforts, and more coordinated street outreach across the city.
The department emphasized a data-driven approach, with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to each strategic goal to measure progress and accountability.
Several initiatives are already underway, including a citywide street outreach coordination effort, a three-year Diversion Demonstration Project in partnership with Sunrise Navigation Center and the University of Texas School of Nursing, a Rapid Rehousing program rebuild, and “Open Now,” a real-time digital platform launched in August 2025 that helps people experiencing homelessness locate essential services.
Gray said homelessness requires a coordinated, systemwide response grounded in compassion, accountability, and collaboration.
“Homelessness is not solved by one organization alone,” Gray wrote. “Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community for all.”
The Austin City Council is expected to vote next week.