A new camping ban ordinance went into effect on June 11 in Greeley after the city council passed the measure 5-2 in its meeting on June 3. The ordinance enacts penalties of up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. In February, the city held an informational meeting about the potential ordinance with staff from Homeless Solutions, Greeley Police, Public Works, and the City Attorney’s Office.
The ordinance criminalizes sleeping in vehicles and setting up tents in public spaces. The Supreme Court ruled in the 2024 case City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson that cities have the right to enforce camping restrictions, even if there aren’t enough shelter beds for homeless community members.
Bobbier Cranston, a senior attorney with the City Attorney’s Office said during the meeting in February that “some cities will look at camping and waste deposits near rivers, and so they’ll specifically prohibit that area because of the health and safety risk. They’ll also prohibit camping in parks and natural areas.”…