Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced today that the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA) have reached a tentative agreement for a five-year police contract. According to Broadnax, the agreement includes significant increases to officer pay and benefits, as well as measures to enhance police oversight and build trust with the community.
“When I joined the City of Austin in May, I made it clear that one of my top priorities was to finalize a new contract between the City and the Austin Police Association. I am proud to have achieved such a significant accomplishment at this point. I want to offer my profound gratitude to former Interim Assistant City Manager Bruce Mills and the entire negotiating team for their hard work and dedication to this effort,” Broadnax said. “This agreement brings together key aspects related to last year’s voter-approved initiative on police oversight that were subject to reaching a negotiated contract by state law, as well as provisions related to improving the Austin Police Department’s hiring and promotional processes.”
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis expressed her satisfaction with the successful conclusion of negotiations, noting its potential impact on recruitment and retention.
The Department has over 330 vacant officer positions and the authorized force is still below what department leaders think they need to serve the community.
“This Tentative Agreement includes meaningful investments in officer pay and benefits that will be invaluable as we seek to recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers in the country,” said Davis, who joined the Austin Police Department as Chief this month. “I am proud to be serving in a City that values and prioritizes public safety, and not only believes in but is also committed to transparency and community engagement.”
The agreement introduces additional oversight measures such as allowing anonymous complaints through the Office of Police Oversight and extending disciplinary timelines. It also addresses elements from the Austin Police Oversight Act like eliminating future confidential police personnel files and establishing a Community Police Review Commission.
“It’s a new day for our officers with the Austin Police Department as I am hopeful our Austin Police Association members will understand the City’s support of them, particularly as it relates to pay and benefits,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. “I’ve stood firm in saying that a long-term contract is in the best interest of our community, as well as for our officers, to ensure we can fill vacancies as well as retain officers. This agreement achieves those goals and more – it also represents a new day for police oversight. The measures agreed to in this contract are a first for the State of Texas, if not the nation. I am pleased to see the outcome of the work that APA and our City’s negotiation team have achieved through what I believe is a historic agreement.”
The contract stipulates across-the-board pay increases totaling 28% over five years with an overall value of $217.8 million. Base pay will rise by 8% in Year One, 6% in Year Two, 5% in Years Three and Four, and 4% in Year Five. Additional operational efficiency incentives include increased Field Training Officer pay, night shift stipends, and patrol officer stipends.
The tentative agreement will be available for public review by Thursday, Sept. 26, with consideration by City Council scheduled for Oct. 10. APA membership will vote separately on ratification.
“I commend both negotiating teams for working toward a solution that will increase transparency, fully support our officers, provide stability for our police department, and improve response times and service levels overall for our community,” Broadnax said.