Homelessness Response Action Plan

At a glance

What: An informational presentation on the Homelessness Response Action Plan (HRAP) and enforcement of the City ordinance banning living in vehicles.
Key numbers: Since the ordinance took effect on March 24, 2026, police recorded 335 vehicle camps and cited 28 people (no families with young children). About 3,000 people are on the housing voucher waitlist. Maximum penalty for illegal camping is 10 days in jail or a 2,500 dollar fine.
Where it stands: Informational only on September 8, 2026; no vote.

Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer, covered HRAP, the three time horizons (foundation and expansion phases), the homelessness response team, transformation and partnership with Council.
Leinweber asked whether all departments use the same data system. Cox said no, data must be collected from each department and the office needs a dedicated person, which it will request during budget planning.
Henjum praised Cox's leadership, asked for an update after the vehicle-living ordinance passed (Cox described the Safe Parking program model) and asked about HOPE COS best practices on drug use (Cox described the practices and updated operating process to boost safety).
Donelson said housing and homelessness should be separated and asked whether the Chief Housing and Homelessness Officer role should be split in two. He asked about enforcement; Lt. Ryan Tepley of the Homeless Operations Team gave the numbers above and confirmed officers give people information on resources while enforcing the law.
Donelson asked whether courts were overwhelmed; Shantel Withrow, Division Chief in the City Attorney's Office, said data takes time but the courts have not been overrun so far. Leinweber asked about the penalty (10 days or 2,500 dollars) and why some people are released after two hours in jail; Withrow said it may be due to Truth in Sentencing or bond.

HRAP presented; enforcement figures for the vehicle camping ordinance reported.