Council directs staff to study safe parking options for people living in vehicles

Council member Brown asked staff to research expanded safe parking options for people living in cars and RVs and to prepare a study session outlining potential models, locations, capacity and staffing needs.

Brown cited local data, including the Metro Denver point‑in‑time count that found 37 unhoused Broomfield residents (14 in vehicles) on a single day and a FISH report finding nearly 300 residents experienced homelessness in 2025. He said the council should evaluate a secure lot with wraparound services — housing navigation, behavioral health outreach, food assistance and amenities such as charging and restroom access — and examine partnerships with nonprofits.

Public commenters expressed mixed views: some urged expansion with eligibility tied to Broomfield residency and case management; one resident cautioned that expanding services can draw people from outside if eligibility controls are not in place. Deputy city manager Casey told council that a limited safe parking program already exists (two churches operate sites with about 12 car spots and 4 RV spots and a wait list) and that modest grant funding has supported those efforts.

Council informally indicated support for staff to pursue an iterative study, focusing first on need, program models, partnerships and reasonable guardrails rather than immediate site selection. Staff said they can return with options for a study session and further questions.

Next steps: staff will prepare a study‑session briefing with alternatives, cost estimates, partnership options and suggested guardrails for council direction.