Early data from the Austin Police Department suggests that a new public safety initiative aimed at reducing crime and violence on East Sixth Street is yielding positive results. The changes, which took effect in December, reintroduced vehicular traffic on weekend nights for the first time in decades, reversing a long-standing pedestrian-only policy in the entertainment district.
According to APD’s preliminary findings included in a memo released this week, key crime and safety metrics have improved in the first six weeks of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Use-of-force incidents on Sixth Street have dropped by 50 percent, and officer injuries are down from 14 to 4. The memo states the number of arrests on Sixth Street has declined by 11 percent, but the data table included shows a 34 percent drop from 171 arrests in early 2024 to 113 for the same time period this year.
Additionally, crimes against persons have decreased by 21 percent, while the category of “simple assaults” has fallen by 33 percent.
The road closure initiative is the latest in a series of efforts by the city to curb violence in one of Austin’s busiest nightlife hubs. In recent years, the area has seen several high-profile incidents, including a 2021 mass shooting that left one person dead and 14 others injured. Other violent altercations, including stabbings and shootings, have continued to raise concerns about overcrowding, public intoxication and lack of law enforcement visibility.
Following the 2021 shooting, city officials proposed a range of reforms, including restrictions on bar capacity, an expanded police presence and investments in lighting and surveillance. In 2022, Austin launched the Safer Sixth Street Initiative, which included a pilot program for metal detectors at bar entrances and a campaign to encourage businesses to voluntarily limit crowd sizes.
The latest round of changes builds on those previous measures but introduces new elements, such as enhanced collaboration between police and bar managers, stricter enforcement of nuisance-related violations and changes in APD’s downtown leadership. Officials say that allowing traffic back on Sixth Street has helped disperse crowds, making it easier for officers to monitor the area and respond to incidents more effectively.
In the memo, APD Chief Lisa Davis said the department will continue to analyze crime data and adjust strategies as needed, but she remains optimistic that the plan is creating a safer environment for both the community and first responders.
City leaders have indicated they will review the data in the coming months before deciding whether to make the changes permanent.
City Council Member Zo Qadri, whose district includes downtown Austin, expressed via email that it’s likely too early to declare the road closure approach as the sole reason for an improvement in public safety trends.
“The early data is promising, but questions remain about the pilot’s full impact on businesses, public perception, and whether opening the street to cars is the key factor,” he wrote. “Sixth Street is central to Austin’s identity, and my office is actively working to make it safer and more vibrant. We’ve pushed investments in lighting, Sip Safely drink test strips, and business engagement, but there’s more to do. We’re continuing to evaluate data, engage stakeholders, and explore solutions like better late-night transportation, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, improved delivery access, and long-term street design changes. I’m committed to leading on this issue and ensuring Sixth Street works for everyone.”
Through a spokesperson, the Downtown Austin Alliance said talks are already underway to decide what further steps can be taken to make the Sixth Street district more active and safe throughout the day and night.
“The Downtown Alliance and other stakeholders are now in discussion with city officials about the next iteration of the pilot post SXSW and the long-term plan for East Sixth Street. This focuses on possible medium-term measures that can be implemented immediately following the pilot that could remain in effect until a long-term plan for permanent infrastructure improvements can be funded and implemented.”
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Austin Police Department: the law enforcement entity for the City of Austin.
Downtown Austin Alliance: A nonprofit, membership-based organization focused, according to its website, on "preserving and enhancing the value and vitality of downtown Austin."
