City opens public safety grants

The Equity Office has opened the application process for the city’s Reimagining Public Safety Grant Fund. Funding for the grants comes from the realignment of the Austin Police Department budget. According to the announcement, the grants “will provide flexible resources for local, community-based organizations to support community engagement projects that are focused on the reimagining of public safety in Austin.” Chief Equity Officer Brion Oaks explained, “The work of racial equity is to critically examine the role our systems play in the quality of life of our communities of color and other vulnerable communities. Nowhere is that more important than in the city’s approach to and definition of public safety.” Find info about eligibility requirements and supported activities on the grant dashboard. Awards of up to $20,000 will be considered with a program cap of $200,000. Apply online by Nov. 6. The awards will be announced on Nov. 23.