Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Altoona council adopts urban‑camping ordinance 5–2 amid heavy public opposition
Summary
The Altoona City Council adopted a new 'urban camping' ordinance on April 13, 2026, after extended public comment opposing criminalization of homelessness. Supporters said the law provides enforcement tools and a path to services; opponents warned it would punish people without housing.
Altoona City Council on April 13 adopted a new ordinance regulating 'urban camping' in the city, with a 5–2 roll‑call vote after more than an hour of public comment.
The measure, introduced by Vice Mayor Ellis, creates Chapter 509 of the city code defining and restricting camping and authorizes enforcement and penalties. Vice Mayor Ellis moved adoption and Councilwoman Klinich seconded; Councilman Kelly and Mayor Pacifico voted no.
The vote followed a packed public‑comment period in which many residents urged alternatives to criminalization. "We must offer solutions to homelessness before making it a crime to be homeless," said Steven Geise, a public commenter. Others argued the ordinance would punish people with mental‑health and substance‑use disorders rather than connect them to services. "The moment you attach a fee to a protest or assembly in a…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
