The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cities can ban people from sleeping and camping in public spaces. The City of Aurora recently strengthened its urban camping restrictions, as nonprofit homeless organizations work with less due to lack of funding.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman says he agrees with the ruling but adds cities have a responsibility to provide another shelter option.
“What this decision does is it gives us a green light to say it’s okay. One thing I differ from, with a lot of other mayors throughout the country who support the decision, is that I do believe that a municipality should be required to offer some kind of alternative shelter when they’re abating,” said Coffman.
CBS Colorado has followed the path to heightened camping restrictions in Aurora , along with the creation of a specialized court to handle low-level offenses. The city will create a specialized court to handle offenses such as violating the new trespass ordinance, illegal drug possession, or retail theft by individuals experiencing homelessness.