Cities Consider Ordinances to Ban Homeless Camping

The Santa Ana City Council is set to vote on a proposed ordinance that would ban camping in public spaces, which includes prohibiting tents and personal belongings in areas like parks and parking lots. This initiative responds to rising homelessness and aims to address quality of life issues according to Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Similar actions are seen in cities like Merced, where an ordinance is under review to impose stricter penalties for unlawful camping, reflecting a 6.8% increase in homelessness as reported in 2024. In Los Angeles, the sweeping of encampments has been criticized for often resulting in the loss of essential items for the homeless, perpetuating their hardship. Meanwhile, Northampton recently cleared a homeless encampment, raising questions about the rights of individuals living outdoors amidst increasing housing crises. These measures highlight a national trend towards stricter regulations on homelessness as cities grapple with rising numbers of unhoused individuals.