Researcher, advocates urge Council to approve pilot diversion center for recovery and justice diversion

Alex Testa, a researcher affiliated with the University of Texas center, told the council his team conducted 36 interviews and recommended a pilot diversion center so the city can test and refine procedures quickly. "Todos recomendaron continuar con el centro piloto para poder acelerarlo," Testa said during the public comment period, summarizing interviews with diversion‑center operators in other Texas counties.

Councilmember Castillo and other councilmembers thanked participating partners — including public health, the sheriff’s office and community nonprofits — and said approval would move the effort to the next phase. Comments stressed the pilot’s role in refining metrics and operational procedures rather than establishing a permanent model immediately. The item was highlighted during the consent/briefing discussion; councilmembers indicated support to advance the request for further consideration.