In the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, the phrase “Defund the police” emerged as a powerful rallying cry, reverberating through streets across the United States amidst mass protests.
Once considered a radical idea, the concept of reallocating funds from law enforcement to essential social services quickly gained traction, leading numerous jurisdictions to pledge reductions in police budgets.
However, the momentum proved challenging to sustain as many cities reverted to increasing police funding in subsequent years. Yet, some cities, like Milwaukee and Seattle, have made significant strides in implementing new policies and investing in services aimed at public safety and homelessness.
In Milwaukee, city leaders took action by channeling funds originally destined for the police department towards crucial social programs. The city redirected dollars into affordable housing and youth programming, demonstrating a commitment to addressing community needs beyond policing.
Similarly, after the events of 2020, Seattle redirected a portion of its police funding into participatory budgeting, engaging the public in decisions about how to allocate city finances.
This led to the establishment of a community-assisted response and engagement department that responds to mental health crises, showcasing an evolving approach to public safety that is informed by the needs of vulnerable populations.
Austin also responded to calls for change, diverting millions from its police budget to enhance homeless services, thus reaffirming its commitment to addressing the growing crisis of homelessness.
Political activists engaged in conversations about divesting from police and reinvesting in social services recognize that the journey is complex and fraught with challenges. Backlash against the movement has been significant, with public sentiment shifting considerably since 2020.
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that while 27% of respondents believed increased attention to racial inequality has improved lives for Black Americans, that number had dropped from 52% in the wake of Floyd’s death.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the successes of the defund movement, advocates argue that they have sparked essential conversations about city priorities and what public safety should look like in the future.
As Marcus Board, a political science professor at Howard University, posits, if greater spending on policing were an effective deterrent to crime, the United States would be the safest country on earth.
Yet, this stark reality underscores the need for a social safety net to address broader community needs rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
In spring 2019, Devin Anderson, the campaign and membership director of the African American Roundtable, engaged with the Milwaukee community about police reform, revealing that a staggering 46% of the city’s general fund was allocated to the police department.
This shocking statistic inspired local residents to demand more investment in youth opportunities, as one concerned grandmother expressed her fears about boredom leading her grandson astray during the summer months.
This marked a significant politicizing moment for the community, signalling a growing awareness about the disproportionate allocation of funds toward law enforcement as opposed to essential social services.
In response, Anderson’s team gathered community input to develop a list of priorities, including enhanced youth programming, affordable housing, and violence prevention measures.
On Juneteenth of that year, they launched the LiberateMKE campaign, advocating for a $25 million divestment from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) and reinvestment in important social services.
The campaign saw some success, with Milwaukee’s 2020 budget reflecting a $1.27 million diversion from the MPD towards community and housing services, as well as an increase in wages for summer youth jobs.
Milwaukee’s 2021 budget also featured a $2 million reduction in police funding, indicating a lasting impact from community advocacy efforts.
Austin’s ambitious plans to cut police funding were similarly ambitious yet faced challenges, shrinking the 2021 police budget from $434.5 million to $292.9 million.
Funds were redirected towards healthcare, housing, and mental health services, promising innovative solutions to persistent community issues.
However, the following year saw a reversal as the police budget was increased to $443 million.
Still, the shift towards investing in social services proved impactful, with $6.5 million diverted towards assisting unhoused individuals, including renovations of supportive housing facilities.
These changes have resulted in improved living conditions for individuals experiencing homelessness, further illustrating the significance of shifting investments away from traditional policing.
Time and again, the community’s calls for resources to address homelessness have been amplified since the protests in 2020, echoing throughout budget discussions.
Austin’s annual budget for homeless services has skyrocketed, nearly tripling from $39.7 million in 2020 to a proposed $118.1 million in 2025.
Councilmember Gregorio Casar emphasized these financial shifts were made possible due to the defunding of police, allowing the city to support essential services for vulnerable populations.
In Seattle, grassroots organizations like King County Equity Now and the Decriminalize Seattle coalition propelled the effort towards establishing a non-police crisis response unit, presenting a comprehensive plan for city leaders to divert police funding into more community-centered initiatives.
These conversations culminated in a participatory budgeting model wherein citizens had a say in how a portion of the city’s budget was spent, leading to meaningful reallocation of resources.
In its 2021 budget, Seattle allocated $10.2 million from the police department towards participatory budgeting efforts, fostering a more engaged and responsive governance model.
The city’s Care department, which debuted in 2023, consists of a 30-person unit dedicated to addressing mental health emergencies.
This innovative response team has already played a crucial role, responding to over 4,000 calls in just 16 months, offering alternatives to traditional policing for individuals facing crises.
Community members have expressed profound relief at being able to seek help without the potential stress of police involvement.
Care’s chief, Amy Barden, acknowledges the need for collaboration between social services and law enforcement, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach to public safety.
In future budget discussions, participants in the participatory budgeting process voted to allocate an additional $2 million to further expand Care’s capacity, ensuring that mental health specialists are available to meet community needs.
Advocates involved in the movement stress that the 2020 protests were merely a catalyst, building on years of grassroots organizing to create safer and healthier communities.
Despite the challenges faced, including a divisive political climate, the movement for defunding police continues to inspire action.
While unity in messaging has sometimes faltered, organizers remain steadfast in their commitment to community engagement, revealing the persistent work required to achieve lasting change.
As activist Hiram Rivera points out, the current moment presents both reflection and an opportunity for growth for the abolitionist movement.
Despite recent setbacks, advocates remain undaunted, working to address the systemic obstacles that prevent meaningful divestment from policing.
In light of recent actions by state governments — like Texas’s legislation aimed at penalizing cities for reducing police budgets — advocates for social change remain focused on the long-term vision for reinvesting in communities.
The Advancement Project, a civil rights organization, continues to support grassroots initiatives aimed at pushing cities towards more socially responsible budget allocations.
Carmen Daugherty, deputy executive director, highlights the importance of continued advocacy in the face of increased calls for militarization of law enforcement under the current administration.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding policing and social investment reveals an opportunity for community advocates to remind civic leaders of the significant societal need for alternatives to punitive measures.
Chelsea Fuller from the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) underscores that, while hard-won changes may seem slow, the ongoing discussions surrounding defunding will push significant issues into the national spotlight for years to come.
True progress takes time, and the years of activism surrounding the defund movement represent just a single chapter in the broader struggle for equitable and just communities.
As conversations about public safety and community well-being continue to unfold, advocates remain hopeful that alliances and support will sustain efforts aimed at creating safer, more equitable places for all residents.
image source from：https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/may/24/defund-police-movement-austin-seattle
