Multiple City Councils Approve Homelessness-Related Ordinances Across U.S.

In multiple U.S. cities, local governments are enacting ordinances aimed at regulating public camping and addressing homelessness. Savannah's city council approved an urban camping ordinance making it illegal to sleep in public spaces without prior warning, with a 90-day evaluation planned to assess effectiveness. Similarly, Summerville passed a first reading of an ordinance banning camping on public and private property without permission, requiring law enforcement to issue a 24-hour notice before clearing encampments. Bartlesville city council introduced ordinances imposing fines for obstructing walkways or misusing public resources, while emphasizing voluntary connection to shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness. Jacksonville passed a contentious ordinance restricting publicly funded assistance to undocumented immigrants, including exceptions for vulnerable groups such as domestic violence victims and pregnant women. Additionally, San Jose is considering a measure requiring unhoused residents to accept city services or face citations and potential jail time, reflecting a broader trend of municipal responses to homelessness.