2 days ago
‘Immediate threat to public safety': Longview cracks down on unsanctioned camping
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Longview is cracking down on the growing 'misuse' of public property.
At Longview City Council's on Thursday, officials approved a 'zero-tolerance policy' for unsanctioned camping, littering and drug and alcohol consumption on public spaces like parks, nearby rights-of-way and city-owned parking structures.
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'These spaces are for the lawful use and enjoyment of the public — not for encampments, criminal activity, or unsafe habitation,' Resolution No. 2561 reads. 'The ongoing misuse of these areas poses an immediate threat to public safety, health, and quality of life, and the city will no longer tolerate any violations of the law in these locations.'
The resolution also directs the city manager to utilize 'all necessary resources' to enforce the new policy. This includes approving any overtime hours and jail-related expenses prompted by compliance efforts.
According to Councilor MaryAlice Wallis, local law enforcement officers responded to 1,534 incidents related to homelessness between January 2024 and May 2025 — nearly three calls a day. Councilor Angie Wean expressed concerns that the new resolution's emphasis on law enforcement could wrongfully 'dictate' how officers do their jobs.
Mayor Pro-tem Kalei LaFave noted the measure was a 'true collaborative effort' that included the police chief, along with other city staff. But although the resolution states Longview residents are 'justifiably outraged' by unsanctioned behavior on public property, officials heard testimony from some people who are against the ramped-up enforcement.
'Public safety is important, but so is public dignity,' Pam McCutcheon said. 'We have to be able to hold both. Passing a resolution that treats homelessness as a nuisance does not just impact those living without shelter — it impacts who we are as a community.'
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Proponents of the new policy argued it could deter some people from defecating and leaving trash in public spaces, therefore encouraging others to utilize city parks.
The council is now forming a task force focused on addressing the resolution's top priorities.
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