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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 penalize people struggling with homelessness.
Other speakers amplified that message. McKaylen (resident) said fast-tracking the ordinances and short public notice undermined community trust. Jamie Nicolino, a small-business owner, said a petition collected more than 2,500 signatures in one week opposing the ordinances and provided the petition to council staff; the council moved to receive and file the petition. Jean Hesburgh cited the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as background for why the city should pursue supportive services rather than punitive measures.
Speakers also urged transparency around planning for a new police headquarters and the police chief search process. Jean O'Donnell, a member of Iowa CCI's Racial Justice Team, said community voices should be included in the selection process and described focus-group participation; Viola Perry and others presented a petition asking for community involvement in the police chief hire.
Public comment also encompassed a different topic: backyard fowl. Terry VorBrick (Ward 3) described ongoing problems with an adjacent property that keeps multiple roosters and chickens, told the council she had logged repeated noise complaints and urged revisions to the city’s fowl ordinance to require enclosed, predator-proof coops, permit limits and prohibition of roosters.
Speakers repeatedly urged the council to "vote no" on the fast-tracked encampment and anti-camping ordinances and to return to the drawing board to build multifaceted solutions involving respite beds, warming centers, storage options and partnerships with service providers. The transcript records no final council votes on those proposed homelessness ordinances during this meeting; several speakers praised Council member Josh Mandelbaum (named in public comments) for voting against the proposal in prior actions.
The council received and filed the petition and paused action on a number of homelessness-related items; community advocates said they will pursue continued public engagement.
