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Public debate at Alamogordo meeting centers on proposed camping ordinance; advocates urge resources over penalties
Summary
A Jan. 28 work session drew 17 public commenters and dozens of community stakeholders to discuss proposed ordinance 1710, which would restrict camping in public and private spaces. Speakers and service providers urged resource‑based approaches, while some business owners and residents supported stricter enforcement. No vote was taken.
The City Commission hosted a work session on Jan. 28 focused on proposed ordinance 1710, described by staff as a “camping ordinance” that would restrict sleeping and encampments on public and private property without permission. Mayor Susan Payne opened the session and limited commenters to three minutes.
Courtney McCarrie Squires, a local advocate, asked the commission to form a community working group and to review a resident‑drafted ordinance, and she said she had invited the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope to present best practices to the commission on March 11. Squires urged delaying any final action until the commission can consider additional community input.
Clinical and social‑service speakers urged the city to prioritize services. Janette Barunda, clinician with the Police Department’s Mobile Crisis Response Team, said the…
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