HOUSTON – Houston leaders are working on changes to the city’s civility ordinance as they try to balance compassion and public safety amid the ongoing homelessness crisis downtown.
Mayor John Whitmire says the ordinance is one way to help keep public spaces clean and safe, especially as downtown grows busier with events in places like the Theater District and near the George R. Brown Convention Center.
“It’s a tool being used by our neighborhoods as we have more residents downtown,” Whitmire said. “But there is no doubt about it, a solution to the homeless conditions is a top priority. It’s one of the reasons I listed to run for office.”…