Portland to resume issuing homeless camping citations

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The City of Portland will soon resume issuing citations for camping, a spokesperson for Mayor Keith Wilson confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

“We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness, nor should we,” Mayor Wilson said in an email to KOIN News. “We must, however, return to enforcing our existing codes on open drug use, illegal dumping, blocked right-of-way, fire, and other sanitation and quality of life issues.”

He said that those who engage in unlawful camping will be subject to citation, and citations will include warrant checks. The city is considering beginning enforcement on Nov. 1.

The news was first reported by the Oregonian, which obtained video of Portland Solutions Director Skyler Brocker-Knapp telling participants in a bi-weekly meeting on downtown livability issues.

In a follow-up email, KOIN verified the details with the city.

“Portland now has consistent available capacity in our lifesaving shelters, and by December 1, we will ensure that every Portlander who wants a bed will have one,” Wilson said.

“To deliver on this promise, we are expanding overnight shelter beds, developing day centers and secure storage facilities, and deploying outreach workers trained to connect people to vital treatment resources and reunification services,” he added. “We will educate our most vulnerable neighbors about these options as we repair, restore, and revitalize safety and livability in Portland.”