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Hundreds of residents press Des Moines council to drop ordinances criminalizing homelessness, urge more shelter and community input
Summary
During public comment, dozens of residents and advocates urged the council to halt ordinances that would criminalize camping, called for more housing and shelter capacity, presented a 2,500-signature petition, criticized secret meetings about a new police headquarters, and asked for community participation in selecting the next police chief.
Dozens of residents filled the public-speaking segment of the Aug. 19 Des Moines City Council meeting, delivering sustained opposition to proposed ordinances authorizing enforcement against camping and encroachments and urging more investment in housing and shelter capacity.
Luis (Louise) Gomez (Ward 4) opened the public comment block by reminding council members of a recent community town hall and saying, "Not a single representative of the city government attended a community town hall last week where we talked about how to help our neighbors who do not have secure housing." He said shelters are full and described concern that enforcement-oriented ordinances would…
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