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Tucson City Council Set to Decide Next Week on Controversial Camping Ban in Washes
The Tucson City Council is preparing to vote on a critical ordinance that would outlaw camping in city washes and watercourses. This decision is scheduled for next Wednesday and follows significant concerns regarding safety.
City Manager Tim Thomure highlighted the “significant dangers” of camping in washes, particularly during the intense summer months when monsoon rains can trigger flash floods. He noted that extreme heat can also lead to brush fires, posing additional risks to individuals sleeping outdoors.
Thomure stressed that the unpredictable nature of desert weather necessitates the proposed prohibition as a means to safeguard lives and property. First responders encounter numerous challenges when trying to assist individuals in these hazardous environments, where visibility and accessibility can be severely compromised.
Environmental considerations are also at play. Encampments have been found to disrupt local ecosystems, leaving behind waste and debris that can harm the delicate balance of riparian habitats.
An alarming incident this June drew attention to the dangers, when a 27-year-old woman was swept away in the Rillito River during a flash flood. In response to these risks, Housing First Director Brandi Champion noted that outreach efforts are extended to individuals in these camps, though not everyone accepts available shelter options due to various barriers, including strict admission criteria.
Community Care Tucson organizer Liz Casey expressed deep concern over the city’s move to criminalize sleeping in washes, calling the approach both dangerous and illogical. Casey argued that such measures exacerbate social issues and perpetuate cycles of homelessness.
The city’s definition of “camping” encompasses any temporary structures or bedding set up to create a makeshift living space. Should the Council approve the ordinance in their September 25 meeting, violating the ban will result in misdemeanor charges.
