City set to vote on homeless encampments ordinance
By Anna Behning
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OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — The Omaha City Council will vote on an amended ordinance to ban homeless encampments on public property at the city council meeting on Tuesday. The ordinance is proposed by Councilmember Brinker Harding.
The new amended version highlights a diversion program for people charged with living in an encampment. The ordinance states that someone found living in an unlawful encampment will be given a 24-hour notice to close the encampment.
The amended proposal says the diversion program, a problem-solving court, would be developed and utilized by the city prosecutor. Violators of the ordinance could face up to 30 days in jail and a fine, no more than $300, or both.
Councilmember Harding says his main concerns are harm to public property, health, and safety of the city.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. says he does not support any ordinance on homeless encampments, until his pilot program is given a chance, including improvements between the city and outreach groups.
The meeting is at City Hall at 2 p.m.
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