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Public commenters allege HEART team confiscates belongings; speakers ask council to shift funds to services
Summary
During public comment at the FY26 budget hearing, multiple residents described their experiences with the city HEART (Homeless Engagement and Response Team), alleging removal or destruction of personal property and urging council to spend on services instead of enforcement.
Several speakers used the budget hearing's public comment period to describe encounters with the city's HEART outreach and enforcement activities, telling the council that the team or accompanying police officers had taken or destroyed personal belongings during street cleanups.
Brandy (public commenter) told the council she had collected multiple first-person accounts: tents and bedding taken from encampments, personal medical supplies such as insulin and prosthetic limbs handled or removed, and possessions discarded during sweeps. She said some people had their belongings removed while staying in shelters and that property loss jeopardized housing, medical care or continuity of services.
A second commenter argued city policy around storage of unhoused residents' property, the 48-hour notice requirement, and methods of outreach are not being followed in many cases. Commenters asked the council to redirect funding toward housing and services rather than enforcement and arrest; those concerns prompted council discussion later in the meeting on outreach, police policy and the HEART team's role.
Councilmembers did not take formal action during public comment. Staff and the mayor noted the issues and referenced later departmental presentations on homeless services and public safety.
