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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin’s Homeless Strategy Officer, Dianna Grey, is resigning, three Austin City Council members told KXAN.
The city assigned Grey to the post in late 2020. She officially took over the role in Jan. 4, 2021, according to previous reporting.
Previously, Grey had worked at a private practice serving as an independent consultant which helped the City of Austin with supportive housing work. Prior to that, she was the director of the Texas Office of Corporation for Supportive Housing.
She took over after the homeless strategy officer prior moved to a consulting role about a month after she started working on the job. The role was new.
The homeless strategy officer coordinates the city’s response to homelessness across more than a dozen city departments. Notably, Grey alongside Austin Public Health has helped coordinate the opening of roughly 300 shelter beds at the Marshalling Yard and taking over the former downtown Salvation Army shelter.
It is not clear why Grey has resigned from the position. KXAN has reached out to her office and the City of Austin for comment.
Council members react to announcement
“Dianna Grey’s decision to resign from her position as the City’s Homeless Strategy Officer calls for an open and honest evaluation of our current approach to tackling homelessness. We must take this opportunity to reflect on our strategies, learn from our past mistakes, and forge a new path toward a more effective and compassionate response to this pressing issue,” said Council Member Mackenzie Kelly.
“Dianna joined the City when we were at an inflection point when it came to homelessness. Since then, she has done tremendous work to put us on a path towards comprehensively addressing this humanitarian crisis. I am deeply grateful for her committed service, and I hope whoever fills her shoes can keep us on track to working on balanced solutions that include temporary shelter services as well as permanent supportive housing,” said Council Member Zo Qadri of District 9.
“Homelessness is one of the most difficult issues facing Austin. As our Homeless Strategy Officer, Dianna Grey provided our community with invaluable expertise and vision to solve this challenge. I am grateful for her service to Austin and sad to see her go, but we know that she has left us with a strong foundation to continue our work addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness,” Council Member Ryan Alter said.
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