Houston Considers Expanding Homelessness Ordinance to More Neighborhoods

Proposed Expansion of Civility Ordinance

• 🎯 The Houston City Council is considering an expansion of the current civility ordinance aimed at addressing homelessness.
• 💡 The proposed expansion seeks to extend restrictions on public sidewalks to more neighborhoods across the city.

Current Ordinance Restrictions

• ⏰ The existing ordinance prohibits individuals from lying down, sitting, or placing personal possessions on city sidewalks between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• 📍 Currently, this ordinance is only in effect in specific neighborhoods.

Details of the Proposed Expansion

• ⚡ The expansion would extend the existing restrictions to 24 hours a day.
• 🏙️ Two specific areas targeted for this 24-hour ban are the central business district and the east downtown (Edo) neighborhood.
• ✅ The mayor anticipates the ordinance will pass, believing it will benefit both the unhoused population and local businesses.

Public Input and Next Steps

• 🗣️ The public is invited to provide input on the proposed measure during a city council meeting at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.
• 📧 To participate, individuals must reserve a spot by calling a provided number or emailing [email protected].
• 🗓️ The vote on the ordinance is expected on Wednesday morning.
• 🚓 Separately, the Houston Police Department will discuss its plan to combat homelessness at a Northwest Division positive interaction program meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m.