AUSTIN, Texas – Next week the Downtown Austin Alliance is hosting a public forum talking about the changes to the camping and sit/lie ordinances. In order to participate though, you have to sign up in advance.

The City of Austin passed the ordinances at the end of June and they went to effect in the beginning of July. The changes eased restrictions on where people can sit, lay down, and camp across the city.

Advocates for the changes said the ordinances would decriminalize homelessness. Critics expressed concerns about safety and increased litter.

The upcoming public forum is Tuesday, July 23. It will begin at 5 p.m. at the Central Presbyterian Church on 8th Street.  

Austin police will be talking about how they interpret and enforce the laws.  There will also be a discussion about planning for additional housing for homeless individuals in the future.

RELATED: Austin City Council Approves New Shelter, Decriminalizes Public Homeless Camps

If you’d like to attend the panel, you do need to register ahead of time. You can do so by clicking here.

Panelists include APD Chief Brian Manley, Veronica Briseño with the City of Austin Homeless Strategy Office, and Downtown Austin Alliance Vice President of Investor Relations Bill Brice.

Participants will be able to submit questions to the panelists via note cards that will be provided at registration.