Funding to launch this long-term effort was secured by the City of Austin Police Department through a U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance grant. The University of Texas RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service, LBJ School of Public Affairs, will provide research and ongoing assessment. MEASURE Austin, the official project consultant, will work with APD and the community to complete an Early Action Project and to conduct quarterly project retreats.

CBCR is part of the Innovation Suite of research-driven programs at the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). CBCR provides resources to convene diverse local partners including police, sheriffs, prosecutors, researchers, municipal agencies, service providers, community developers and residents. Together they examine the varied factors contributing to crime and pursue strategies that are grounded in data and research, and supported by people who live and work in the area. These strategies typically include efforts to address blight and vacant properties, to create new economic opportunities, and to build connections between neighbors – all complementing strategic law enforcement actions.