Breaking News: National City Introduces Legislation to Ban Camping on Public Property
In a surprising turn of events, officials in National City have proposed a new ban on camping on public property, near schools, and along waterways and train tracks. This comes as a change in direction for the city, which had previously focused on a more outreach-oriented approach to homelessness.
If the ban is passed after a final city council vote in two weeks, National City will join other San Diego County cities like San Diego, Escondido, and Vista in outlawing public camping. Carlsbad and Chula Vista are still considering their options.
Background: Just five months ago, National City made the decision not to implement a camping ban. Instead, the City Council directed staff to enforce existing laws prohibiting camping in public spaces. However, with the homeless population in the city continuing to rise, officials are now looking at a more proactive approach.
Over the past decade, the city has invested over $4 million in outreach, case management, and housing vouchers to assist homeless individuals. Despite these efforts, the number of homeless people in the city has grown, leading to an increase in homelessness-related costs.
The proposed ban aims to address these issues by combining it with a renewed effort to expand detox facilities, substance abuse treatment options, and housing facilities.
Why it matters: National City’s previous outreach-focused approach was seen as a model by advocates for the homeless. However, with the potential shift towards a camping ban, the city may be signaling a change in direction for other counties considering similar measures.
