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Omaha council rejects encampment ordinance after months of debate; mayor, providers push pilot plan
Summary
The Omaha City Council voted 5 to 2 to deny a proposed ordinance that would have created new rules for unauthorized encampments on public property after weeks of public comment and a split among council members over whether the measure would criminalize homelessness.
The Omaha City Council voted 5'to'2 on Tuesday to deny an ordinance (Item 62) that would have added sections to Chapter 20 of the Omaha Municipal Code governing unauthorized encampments on public property.
Council Member Pete Harding introduced the proposal, saying it would give city authorities the ability to clear encampments and offer people outreach and services. "The first thing they would do is offer them the ability to get to a place of shelter or get some help that they would need," Harding said during debate. He described the measure as a public health and safety response for neighbors and people living in encampments.
Opponents and some council members said the ordinance risked criminalizing homelessness. Thomas Warren of the mayor's office, speaking on behalf of Mayor John Ewing, said the mayor "fundamentally disagrees" that the ordinance is the right…
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