Des Moines City Council Approves Preliminary Plan to Combat Public Camping

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines City Council voted 5-2 Monday morning to approve an ordinance banning sleeping and camping on public property.

In addition, the ordinance limits the number of days people can remove their personal belongings from public spaces.

In January, Homeward, Polk County’s Homeless Service Planning Organization, released data showing that about 715 people were experiencing homelessness in the Des Moines metro area, an 11% increase from 2,023.

City officials say the goal of the ordinance is to make it easier to get homeless people off the streets and provide services to improve their lives. That will require further assistance from shelters and city officials to house the homeless or find temporary emergency shelter, which includes providing direct assistance to the homeless and creating a plan to get their belongings back if they are displaced.

At Monday’s meeting, the council was met with both praise and opposition, with some saying the ordinance is vital to the safety and prosperity of the city center, while others argued that criminalizing public sleeping won’t help homelessness. But Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen says the city’s goal is not to criminalize homelessness.

“It’s not about punishment, we’re clearly stating that anyone who violates this section is committing a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $50 dollar fine and specifically excluding jail time, and allowing people to do community service to pay it off. We could impose (fines for) littering for fines up to $100 dollars, we could impose (fines for) public urination for fines up to $300 dollars, and we could, if you’re in the park, impose (fines) up to $300 dollars. We’re not doing that. Right now, our intent is to help people and get them help quicker than they’re getting right now,” Boesen said.

Council members who voted against the ordinance said they felt the decision was rushed, as the proposal had been introduced the previous Thursday and had already undergone multiple revisions. Those who opposed also said there was no immediate housing available for those affected by the ordinance.

The council will hear further public input and discuss the possibility of amending the ordinance at its August 5 meeting.

Central Iowa Shelter and Services released a statement in response to the ordinance:

“At Central Iowa Shelter & Services, we are committed to working hand-in-hand with local, city, and state officials to address community concerns about homelessness. Our commitment to helping every homeless person in Central Iowa remains unwavering, and we will continue our efforts to provide essential shelter, support, and resources to those who need it.”

Shelter and services in Central Iowa.