PORTLAND, Ore. — The City of Portland will resume enforcement of its public camping ordinance in November, but officials say the renewed effort will focus on connecting people experiencing homelessness with shelter and services rather than issuing citations or making arrests.
Mayor Keith Wilson paused enforcement in February to give the city and its partners time to expand emergency shelter capacity. Since then, more than 1,000 additional overnight beds have been announced, adding to 776 alternative shelters already operating as part of the city’s network.
City leaders emphasized that enforcement will be gradual. Residents should not expect a sudden increase in citations as outreach teams and enforcement officers work to offer available shelter options before citing anyone…