Mayor Brown Statement on Engagement and Enforcement Ordinance Deferral

Mayor Lisa Brown commended the City Council for passing two ordinances from a legislative package designed to address homelessness and housing stability. The H. O. M. E.

Starts Here initiative now serves as the city's guiding plan to combat these issues. Although the Council deferred the Engagement and Enforcement ordinance, Brown assured that the city remains dedicated to finding a balanced approach that involves engaging individuals with services and housing options. The Mayor criticized the current status quo, which merely displaces individuals without offering stability. The deferred ordinance aims to include enforcement mechanisms to address unauthorized camping and public right-of-way obstructions. Brown emphasized the importance of community safety and the ongoing efforts to enhance it.

The city will persist in its work to find effective housing solutions. This legislative package represents a significant step forward in addressing the local homelessness crisis.