By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

The Goodyear City Council has approved an ordinance that prohibits camping on public property, a move aimed at addressing public health and safety concerns but one that could impact the homeless.

The ordinance passed without comment under the consent agenda at the council’s meeting on Monday, Nov. 18.

“The intent of the ordinance is to ensure that our public spaces are safely maintained for the enjoyment and benefit of all Goodyear residents, visitors, and businesses,” said Tammy Vo, Goodyear’s digital communications director who coordinates inquiries for the City Manager’s Office, Goodyear’s mayor and City Council and the Economic Development Department.

The measure amends the Goodyear City Code to prohibit camping on public property, which includes any land owned or controlled by the city, such as parks, streets, sidewalks, and recreational areas.

The ordinance broadly defines camping to include activities such as using tents, shelters, storing personal belongings, making fires and cooking outdoors.

It also extends the ban to areas within 500 feet of schools, childcare facilities, shelters and parks.

The ordinance could have negative effects on people already facing housing instability.

For Goodyear’s homeless population, the ordinance could lead to citations or arrests due to the limited shelter options in the city. Violations of the ordinance are classified as class 1 misdemeanors, punishable by fines of up to $2,500, six months in jail and probation. The law requires warnings to be issued before citations are given, and public spaces affected by the ban will be posted with notices.

“It is the city’s goal to first and foremost help connect people to the support and services they need,” Vo said. “Every effort will be made to assist individuals experiencing homelessness prior to issuing a violation. If justified, the city prosecutor’s office, in conjunction with the city court, will explore creating a diversion program.”

The ordinance follows a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Johnson v. Grants Pass, which expanded cities’ authority to regulate camping on public property. This ruling overturned a 2018 decision in Martin v. Boise, which had limited such bans.

Several Arizona cities, including Gilbert and Glendale, have enacted similar camping bans. City officials argue such measures are necessary to protect public health and safety, citing concerns over sanitation, safety hazards, and the condition of public spaces.

Goodyear’s Homeless Outreach Team, a unit within the police department, has been working to connect homeless individuals with resources and shelter. The team’s efforts, along with a partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, will be important as the city implements the new camping restrictions.

The city’s shelter capacity may be insufficient to accommodate all those in need as Phoenix also recently updated its urban camping ban.

According to the city’s 2024 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, 30 unhoused people were identified in Goodyear, a slight increase from 22 in 2023. This reflects a broader rise in homelessness across Phoenix and the West Valley.

While the new ordinance aims to maintain order and safety in public spaces, its impact on Goodyear’s homeless population will depend on the availability of resources and support services. There are no designated homeless shelters in the City of Goodyear.

Independent Newsmedia reached out to the Goodyear Police Department, which did not respond for comment.

Those interested can visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.