The Grand Forks City Council convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss a proposed ordinance regarding ticketing for camping and sleeping in vehicles, a topic that drew significant public interest and debate. The meeting featured multiple speakers, including representatives from local organizations and concerned citizens, who expressed a range of perspectives on the issue.

Pat Moore, president of Homeless Helpers, voiced strong opposition to the proposed policy, emphasizing the need for input from various organizations that work with the homeless population. He argued that ticketing would not address the root causes of homelessness and could exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals already struggling to secure housing. Moore suggested exploring alternative solutions, such as incentives for landlords to provide temporary housing and increasing the number of social workers available to assist those in need.

Gretchen Graff, affiliated with Family of God Church, shared her experiences providing financial assistance to social workers and highlighted the urgent need for shelter options during extreme weather conditions. She cautioned that camping in public spaces is often a last resort for individuals without affordable housing, and urged the council to consider the implications of prohibiting such practices without offering viable alternatives.

Everett Jones, another speaker, echoed the concerns raised by Moore and Graff, advocating for a more compassionate approach to homelessness. He recounted his personal experience of sleeping in a car and warned that criminalizing such actions could create barriers to housing for those affected. Jones called for a pause in the decision-making process to allow for further collaboration among community organizations to find effective solutions.

Jill Proctor from the Downtown Development Association presented a contrasting viewpoint, arguing that the ordinance would provide law enforcement with necessary tools to manage public spaces and ensure safety for residents and business owners. She acknowledged the need for long-term solutions but emphasized the importance of addressing immediate concerns related to public behavior.

Council members engaged in a thorough discussion following the public comments, with some expressing empathy for the homeless while also considering the impact on local businesses and community safety. Vice President Wagle clarified that the proposed ordinance would not criminalize homelessness but would serve as a civil tool for law enforcement to manage public spaces more effectively.

The council ultimately moved to approve the ordinance, with several members acknowledging the complexity of homelessness and the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among community stakeholders. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding homelessness in Grand Forks, ensuring that both the needs of vulnerable populations and the concerns of the broader community are taken into account.