Austin Council Members Say It Is Time To Act On New Homeless Ordinance

On October 17, Council Members Kitchen, Tovo, Alter, and Pool are proposing an ordinance (Item 29) clarifying that camping will not be allowed in unsafe areas that pose risks to public health and safety.

These areas include sidewalks, right-of-way along certain streets with high pedestrian or car traffic, traffic medians and sloped underpasses, and areas around emergency shelters. Camping in culverts, creeks, river beds, and high fire-risk areas also pose health and safety risks.

“Our community is asking for clarity on these ordinances,” said Council Member Alison Alter. “With these proposals, we have an opportunity to reinforce guidance from the City Manager and the Police Department that addresses public health and safety concerns and takes concrete steps to help our homeless neighbors. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and healthy, whether they are housed or not.”

In June, Council asked the City Manager to recommend options to help people living unsheltered, including ideas for reasonable limitations on camping. The Council asked for a report in August, with the intent to act on those recommendations.

“Council must help the community move forward past divisiveness by taking these actions now,” said Council Member Kitchen. “We must refocus our discussion on solutions for our shared goals of housing while we compassionately address the health and safety concerns we hear from neighbors.”

The ordinance directs that law enforcement use non-criminal enforcement measures and involve social service providers, whenever possible. This strategy works with Council Member Tovo’s proposed resolution (item #30) endorsing an Encampment Response Strategy, a plan for connecting people experiencing homelessness in our high priority encampments to housing.

“Both the ordinance revisions and our resolution articulate and support non-criminal enforcement measures for camping in prohibited places,” said Council Member Kathie Tovo, whose Council District (9) contains West Campus and most of Downtown. “Importantly, the process we’ve outlined will connect individuals with services, shelter, and housing, and will direct the City Manager to identify the necessary resources and timeline to make that process successful.”

“I appreciate the leadership of Council Member Kitchen and Council Member Tovo on this issue, and value all the input I’ve heard over the last three months,” Council Member Pool added. “Austin has always been a compassionate and welcoming city, and my hope is that we can reach agreement across the dais that restores our civic equilibrium.”