PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Portland’s camping ban continues to endure political scrutiny as a city commissioner running for mayor proposes an alternative that could lead to steeper legal repercussions for the city’s homeless population.
Commissioner Rene Gonzalez submitted a proposal that would give the next elected mayor administrative control over the enforcement of the daytime camping ordinance, which has undergone several legal setbacks since it was passed in July 2023.
Gonzalez put in his own bid for mayor last December.
What happens to cars forfeited during street takeovers in Oregon?
“Our office is committed to aggressively protecting Portland from the crime, fire hazards, and debilitating drug culture in the encampments that are preying on our most vulnerable residents and harming our community,” he said in a statement to KOIN 6 News. “I will explore every legal avenue to do so.”
The original ordinance, initially slated to go into effect in July, banned camping in public places from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and forbade camping near parks, docks, schools and construction zones. Those found violating the ban were subject to a $100-dollar fine or 30 days in jail.