District 9's Steven DeLine urges council to reject automatic license plate reader program

The Austin City Council Work Session held on June 3, 2025, addressed several key issues, with a significant focus on the controversial automatic license plate reader (ALPR) program. The session began with public comments, where Steven DeLine from District 9 expressed strong opposition to the Flock Safety initiative, a company involved in the ALPR program. DeLine raised concerns about the implications of data collection and surveillance, linking Flock Safety to prominent tech figures and suggesting that the program could pose a national security risk. He urged council members to vote against the initiative, emphasizing the potential dangers of increased surveillance on the population of Austin.

Following public comments, the council moved to discuss the ALPR program in detail. City Manager Broadnax provided opening remarks as staff prepared a presentation on the topic. The discussion highlighted the council's ongoing deliberations regarding the balance between public safety and privacy concerns, particularly in light of the technological capabilities associated with the program.

As the meeting progressed, council members were encouraged to consider the implications of the ALPR program on community safety and civil liberties. The session concluded with a reminder for council members to reflect on the feedback received from constituents and the broader impact of their decisions on the Austin community.

Overall, the work session underscored the council's commitment to engaging with public concerns while navigating complex issues related to technology and surveillance in urban governance. Further discussions and decisions regarding the ALPR program are anticipated in future meetings.