Tuesday evening, Redwood City residents are invited to weigh in on a possible anti-camping ordinance the city might be considering this summer, which could make it a crime to live in an encampment on public property so homeless people can be connected with public services.
The community input gathered at the meeting will inform the homelessness advisory committee — made of city staff and Councilmembers Chris Sturken, Jeff Gee and Isabella Chu — and guide what they will recommend to the rest of the City Council. Soliciting feedback from the community on this concept will gauge to what degree residents want regulation, Sturken said.
“Council will consider limiting camping on public property in some way shape or form,” Sturken said. “We want to try to get a pulse on the community’s comfort level with banning camping, and where, and how much, if at all.”
In January 2024, the county’s Board of Supervisors approved the ordinance that was positioned to encourage unhoused people to accept assistance into available programs. Authorities can charge a person living in an encampment, on public property, with a misdemeanor after receiving two written warnings and two offers of shelter. Anyone cited would qualify for participation in diversion programs offered by the San Mateo County Superior Court, avoiding jail time.
Redwood City recently received $2.85 million in state funding to help people in homeless encampments find housing and support services. Redwood City saw a 23% decline in its unsheltered population from 2022 to 2024, and attributed that trend to city initiatives and county resources.
Redwood City staff is slated to give a report on an anti-camping ordinance, as informed by the advisory committee, to councilmembers at the City Council meeting June 9. Although at this June meeting residents can weigh in during public comment, the city will be considering input from now until then, as well, Sturken said.
The public can participate in the community meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Redwood City Public Library community room. Spanish interpretation will be available at the meeting.
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