FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2024
Statement on Grants Pass Decision
Today, the United States Supreme Court published its decision on the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson. The ruling overturns the Ninth Circuit ruling that limited the City’s ability to regulate camping on public property like sidewalks, rights of way, and parks. The City is currently reviewing the decision to determine how this ruling affects the City’s ability to address homelessness in the community. Since August 2023, the City has been in litigation over its camping ordinance which seeks to address the public health and safety impacts that are sometimes associated with unregulated encampments. In addition, the City is in the process of working with individuals experiencing homelessness to abate illegally constructed structures on public property. In the coming weeks, the City will report to the community what regulatory changes, if any, the City will pursue as a result of this decision.
More information on the ruling and its potential implications can be found here: California homeless camps: Supreme Court OKs a crackdown – CalMatters
More information regarding the City’s efforts around homelessness can be found on the City’s website.