Tacoma Public Camping Ordinance Vote

Tacoma City Council to Vote on Revised Public Camping Ordinance on October 21

Tacoma City Council is set to vote on significant revisions to the city's public camping ordinance on October 21. Councilmember Victoria Woodards has proposed Ordinance 29064, aiming to revise the current regulations and address a resurgence of homeless encampments in areas with reduced buffer zones.

In 2022, the council approved an ordinance banning camping and storage of personal belongings within a 10-block radius around temporary shelters. Since then, the city has removed 776 encampments and referred supportive services to over 3,300 people in prohibited areas. However, the ordinance has faced criticism for its wide radius, which some argue displaces rather than solves the issue.

The proposed ordinance seeks to establish a two-block blast around public schools, parks, and libraries. This reduction comes after earlier drafts suggested a five-block radius, which was later reduced following council discussions. If approved, the ordinance would also shrink buffer zones around shelters outside of Tacoma's downtown core from 10 blocks to five blocks, while maintaining a 10-block radius around emergency shelters within the downtown area. People found camping in restricted zones may be considered for referral to therapeutic court if they qualify.

The Tacoma City Council will vote on these revisions on October 21, potentially reshaping the city's approach to homeless encampments. The proposed changes aim to balance public safety and the needs of homeless individuals, while also addressing concerns about displacement.