Butte-Silver Bow refers urban camping ordinance to judiciary after months of complaints in Emma Park

When the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners opened public comment on July 16, multiple neighbors urged the council to act on unsanctioned camping and encampments in and around Emma Park and other public spaces. Commissioner Trudy Healy moved to refer the matter to the Judiciary Committee; the council voted 9-0 to send the item for drafting and review.

The referral grew out of public testimony describing repeated incidents in the neighborhood. “It doesn't feel safe,” James Madison, 116 West Silver Street, said of camping near Emma Park. “There's no sanitary facilities. It's just something needs to be done.” Dave Hutchins, who also identified himself as an Emma Park resident, said the issue is homelessness and urged services rather than a simple regulation: “We need to provide mental health care. We need to provide affordable housing. We need to provide dignity with things like…