Second Amended Substitute Ordinance 28831 Passed

The Tacoma City Council passed Second Amended Substitute Ordinance 28831 on October 11, aimed at prohibiting camping and the storage of personal belongings within a 10-block radius of temporary shelters and public waterways. This legislative action is a direct response to the rising public health and safety concerns raised by community members about the impacts of encampments. The ordinance has been amended to lower the maximum fine from $1,000 to $250 and reduce potential imprisonment from 90 days to 30 days or less, emphasizing a more compassionate enforcement approach. Council Member John Hines articulated the importance of addressing homelessness comprehensively, noting that this ordinance is just one part of a larger solution that requires further investments in shelters and services. The City plans to notify the public at least two weeks before enforcement begins, allowing community organizations to offer assistance.

By April 2023, the City will report on the ordinance’s effectiveness, tracking metrics such as service offers and acceptance rates. Mayor Victoria Woodards reiterated the commitment to ensuring a safe environment for individuals seeking shelter while preserving environmental health and tribal rights. This ordinance underscores Tacoma's ongoing efforts to tackle the complex issue of homelessness through collaborative community-driven solutions.