During a recent city commission meeting, officials addressed pressing issues surrounding homelessness and community engagement, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration with county resources.

Commissioner Fournier opened the discussion by commending the efforts of the code compliance team and celebrating local youth baseball achievements. He also informed residents about a new public notice from the U.S. Coast Guard regarding the long-awaited 6 Terrace Bridge project, which promises increased navigable clearance.

The conversation shifted to homelessness, with Commissioner Perkins expressing concerns about the growing number of encampments in her district. She noted that many homeless individuals are becoming increasingly organized and are moving to less visible locations due to recent ordinances prohibiting them from sleeping in public spaces. Perkins proposed forming a committee to explore solutions to the homelessness crisis, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive strategies beyond current outreach efforts.

Commissioner Poirier echoed these sentiments, sharing insights from her ride-alongs with the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) homeless outreach team. She stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with county officials, who control funding for homeless services. Poirier highlighted the challenges faced by outreach workers in navigating county processes and the necessity for the city to advocate for more resources.

The meeting underscored a collective recognition among commissioners that homelessness is a multifaceted issue requiring a coordinated response. As the city grapples with its disproportionate share of homeless individuals, officials are committed to exploring innovative solutions and fostering collaboration with county agencies to address the underlying challenges effectively.