Commissioner Healy urges Butte Silver Bow Council to regulate urban camping ordinances

Concerns over urban camping in Butte-Silver Bow have prompted a significant call to action from Commissioner Trudy Healy. During the recent city council meeting, Healy urged fellow commissioners to address the growing issue of transients camping on public streets and in parks. She proposed referring the matter to the judiciary committee and the county attorney to develop a specific ordinance aimed at regulating urban camping.

Healy shared alarming anecdotes from residents, highlighting incidents that have raised safety concerns, including a past attempted kidnapping and reports of unsanitary conditions along local walking trails. She noted that urban camping has become a pressing issue not only in Butte-Silver Bow but across the United States, with many communities already implementing ordinances to manage the situation effectively.

The lack of specific regulations in Butte-Silver Bow has limited the city’s ability to respond to related challenges. Last summer alone, law enforcement received over 75 calls regarding urban campers in Emma Park, with some incidents resulting in felony charges. Healy emphasized that these situations strain public safety resources and undermine community security.

With a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming local governments' authority to regulate urban camping, Healy believes the city has both the opportunity and responsibility to act. She called for a balanced approach that protects public health and safety while also ensuring compassion for vulnerable populations. The motion to refer the issue to the judiciary committee received support, marking a crucial step towards developing a local ordinance to address urban camping in Butte-Silver Bow.