Speakers urge more care for unhoused residents and veterans; audit concerns and veteran liaison proposed

Several public speakers raised community service concerns. Tracy Duckworth (Speaker 14), a formerly homeless advocate, told council the city’s homeless response system is “fragmented and broken,” cited an audit that found the shelter contractor had not adopted Housing‑First practices required by contract, and said current practices may be punitive and deter people from seeking help. “After the community shelter contractor…was proven to be in violation of the contract… the city went to those people who broke the system and asked how to fix it,” Duckworth said, calling for immediate reforms and meaningful guest feedback mechanisms.

Veterans advocate Gary Steele (Speaker 13) asked council to create a veterans liaison or advisory board to ensure memorial recognition and coordinated support, describing a Memorial Day ceremony that lacked city representation and calling for a visible program to honor veterans. Council members and staff acknowledged the testimony and several asked to follow up offline to connect advocates with staff and upcoming work sessions on mental‑health and homelessness.