Homelessness ordinances 1565/1566

The Edgewood United Church of Christ pastor opposed criminalizing homelessness and called for the city to build support systems instead.

Cited the ACLU memo, said arresting people for sleeping outdoors is unconstitutional, and urged housing-first solutions and withdrawal of both ordinances.

Asked why the ordinances are needed at all, noting no data links unhoused people to crime increases, and asked council to simply drop them.

The Tenant Resource Center director urged no votes on all versions, outlined preventive housing strategies, and asked for regional collaboration and eviction diversion.

Urged rejection of the ordinances, warned fines become bench warrants, and asked where the impetus for the ordinances comes from beyond anecdotes.

Phoned in opposition, praising the ACLU and housing commission written comments and urging council to work from data rather than a 'lock them up' impulse.