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Newport council forms task force to address housing, encampments and community safety
Summary
Council approved creation of a task force to develop strategies for supporting people who are unhoused, advising on encampment policy, and recommending enforcement best practices; recruitment will begin immediately with member appointments targeted for the May 19 meeting.
President Kevin Charbonneau presented a proposed task force to advise the council on strategies for supporting people who are unhoused and on policies governing public encampments and overnight stays. The proposal was developed with Police staff and is intended to combine public‑safety concerns with options for social supports.
Charbonneau said the chief of police asked the council to consider a policy that addresses overnight stays in public spaces, but that enforcement alone would repeatedly displace people without offering housing alternatives. He described the task force’s scope to include public safety, viable safe options especially in winter or disaster events, support for downtown businesses, and collaboration among community partners.
Residents and council members recounted past efforts, with Pam noting a previous warming‑shelter effort that collapsed after bureaucratic requirements made it unusable for people without transportation or stable routines. Several council members stressed the need for practical, low‑barrier solutions and for having people with lived experience on the task force.
Council Member Carter Finnegan moved to form the task force with Travis (Police) as the staff lead; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Recruitment will include an open call plus hand‑selecting representatives from key agencies; council will act to name members at the May 19 meeting.
