TL/DR –
Phoenix City Council is considering an amendment to their camping ban as part of efforts to manage homelessness. The National Center for Homelessness Law argues that such homeless criminalization laws have proven ineffective, with a study showing that in 100 cities with no camping ordinances, homelessness increased by an average of 2.2%. In San Diego, a city Phoenix leaders have often referenced, a camping ban is enforced with warnings and education, followed by citations, and potential arrest on the third violation.
Phoenix Reconsiders Its Approach to Homelessness and Evictions
Following reports from ABC15 about rising homelessness and surging eviction rates, the city of Phoenix is discussing amending the camping ban. Regarded as a potential solution to the homeless encampment known as “The Zone” near The Key Campus, this proposition will be considered by the Phoenix City Council next week.
Councilmember Ann O’Brien Proposes Limited Camping Ban
Modeled after San Diego’s approach, Councilmember Ann O’Brien advocates for a temporary camping ban by schools and shelters. However, Jesse Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director with the National Center for Homelessness Law, argues that these anti-homelessness laws have proven ineffective. Citing a study, he revealed that homelessness rates increased by 2.2% in cities with no-camping bans, suggesting a better approach would be to stop moving these individuals around and providing tickets they can’t afford.
Phoenix Takes Cues from San Diego’s Homeless Management
Phoenix leaders have shown interest in San Diego’s camping ban policy. The enforcement process in San Diego constitutes initial warnings and education about the law, followed by citations, and ultimately arrests for recurrent violations.
Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee Set to Discuss Proposed Amendments
The amendment proposal will be deliberated at the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee meeting on April 3rd. With the homeless situation in Phoenix escalating, the city appears to be seeking a more balanced solution that caters to the needs of both the homeless population and the wider community.
San Diego’s Policy Proving Successful
The effectiveness of San Diego’s policy is attributed to the alignment of the Unsafe Camping Ordinance with necessary shelter expansion, consistent law enforcement, and additional outreach funding, according to Josh Callery-Coyne, Vice President of Policy & Civic Engagement at Downtown San Diego Partnership. This integrated approach could potentially offer a blueprint for similar cities dealing with high rates of homelessness.
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