To fund or defund? – Proposition A in Austin, TX and the urban politics of police funding post George Floyd

Abstract

After the tragic death of George Floyd, there was a national debate about “defunding” police departments. The debate was especially intense in several cities as mayors, city councils, and - via direct democracy - voters debated the future direction of how police departments operate. Amidst all of this, Proposition A was placed on the ballot in the City of Austin, TX, which intended to increase police funding as the number of murders in the city peaked to near-record highs. This research will provide a spatial and ecological analysis of the vote on Proposition A that occurred in 2021. Using demographic, political, and socio-economic data of the populations in each precinct; this research will explain who was most and least supportive of Proposition A, and examine the spatial dimension of the vote. This research will provide critical insights into the voting behavior and spatial dynamics in urban areas, specifically in Austin, where Proposition A was a rare electoral victory for the “defund” efforts.