The Public Safety and Governance Committee approved a motion to make $2,000,000 in reserves available for public-safety initiatives aimed at restoring downtown confidence and increasing visibility. Council Member Mark Krammerding presented the motion, which he described as a flexible allocation to support police visibility and other measures where the city manager and chief deemed them most useful.

"This is a critical step towards restoring public confidence and safety," Krammerding said, adding that the funds could be used for increased police presence or other approved measures. Chair Scotty Johnson voiced broad support for a comprehensive approach that pairs enforcement with community and nonprofit efforts.

Council Member Mark Jeffries offered an amendment to include consideration of additional downtown ambassadors run by 3CDC; the amendment proposed adding up to nine ambassadors and was seconded in committee. Supporters said ambassadors help keep downtown clean, connect people to services and provide visible non-police presence that can de-escalate incidents. The amendment and the main motion passed on a committee roll call.

Committee members said the reserve was intentionally broad to give the manager flexibility to respond quickly to emergent safety needs. Several speakers asked for a follow-up report showing how the funds would be spent; managers said they would return with a proposed spending plan and continue coordination with community partners, police and nonprofit operators.

The allocation is intended to be used as part of a multi-pronged strategy that includes existing programs such as community responders, downtown ambassadors, and targeted problem-solving for property crime and parking-lot safety. Committee discussion emphasized transparency and a quick but accountable approach to spending to address a short-term perception of diminished downtown safety.