Housing & Homelessness Committee Chair Issues Statement on Grants Pass Ruling

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Today, the United States Supreme Court overturned Grants Pass v. Johnson, a decision of the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals which limited the ability of West Coast cities to penalize people experiencing homelessness and sleeping outside. In response, Assembly Housing & Homelessness Committee Chair Felix Rivera issued the following statement:

"While today's Supreme Court decision has been highly anticipated, the ruling does not shake my unwavering commitment to housing first. This winter, Anchorage implemented the most effective Emergency Cold Weather Shelter Plan to date, so we know what works: housing with supports is the solution to homelessness.

It is important to note that the ruling addresses the criminalization and prosecution of people sleeping in public space. It has never been the practice or policy of the Municipality to actively prosecute people experiencing homelessness for the simple act of camping in public. Most recently, this April, the Assembly indefinitely postponed AO 2024-39, an ordinance proposed by the Bronson Administration which would have amended Title 8 to criminally penalize public camping.

Today, the Municipality has all the tools we need to humanely address life, health, and safety in our community. Abatement is only one of the many tools and the Assembly approved AO 2024-55(S), As Amended, revising the regulations that prioritize abatement just last month.

In the coming months, I anticipate the incoming Administration and new Municipal Attorney will need time to review their toolbelt, assess the impact of the Grants Pass ruling and engage the Assembly in their approach."

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Contact:
Felix Rivera | Assembly Housing & Homelessness Committee Chair
District 4, Midtown Anchorage
[email protected]

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