An update on the center was shared Wednesday through a memo from Homeless Strategies and Operations Director David Gray.

AUSTIN, Texas — A new update on the city-owned homeless navigation center in southeast Austin was shared Wednesday through a memo from the city’s Homeless Strategies and Operations Director David Gray.

The memo, sent to the Austin City Council and Mayor Kirk Watson, outlined the department’s continued work to finalize the facility, located near Interstate 35 and Oltorf Street. The Homeless Strategies and Operations (HSO) team said it is forming a 13-member Center Advisory Board to help shape the center’s scope, design and operations.

After a 14-day public comment period, the final charter was posted on the city’s SpeakUp Austin website. According to the memo, the advisory board includes five local area representatives, three people with lived experience of homelessness, four housing and service partners, and one civic representative.

The open application period ran from Dec. 10, 2025, to Jan. 21, 2026, drawing 69 submissions. A multi-department evaluation team conducted blind reviews of applicant responses, followed by a holistic assessment to ensure geographic and stakeholder diversity. All 13 finalists accepted and will serve on the inaugural board.

The HSO has begun onboarding the board, which will first advise on a competitive solicitation for social service providers to operate the Navigation Center. In the meantime, temporary fencing has been installed at the site, including system upgrades. 

The navigation center will cost the city just over $4.3 million. It’s intended to help unhoused residents connect with stable housing and support services.