Sobering Center seeks operating funds to open second‑floor expansion; county paid renovations, CEO says

Laura LeBlanc, chief executive officer of the Sobering Center, told the Austin Public Health Committee Wednesday that a county‑funded renovation of the center’s second floor is complete and ready for staff, but the center needs city operating funds to open it.

LeBlanc said the center, which opened in 2018 under an interlocal agreement between the city and Travis County, has conducted about 13,000 intakes since it began and operates "24/7, 365." The planned second‑floor opening would move sober clients who are waiting for treatment beds off the first floor and create space to accept more intoxicated intakes from first responders, she said.

"We are open 24/7, 365," LeBlanc told the committee. "The Second Floor is ready to go. The county paid to renovate the building and also to furnish it, put security cameras in it, put technology in it… We just have…