The Chico City Council has rejected a package of tougher rules targeting homeless encampments.
At least for now.
The proposed changes, presented by the city’s attorney, would allow misdemeanor criminal charges for illegal camping even when no shelter space is available.
Councilmember Addison Winslow warned the changes could jeopardize millions of dollars in state grant funding that helps the city pay for its Genesis Pallet shelter.
Winslow said the rules would also put the city on the wrong track in addressing homelessness.
“This is setting us up for a situation where we’re running people out of areas with nowhere else to go,” he said. “This is not what the community wants. When we talk about compassion with accountability, that has meaning. You have to do something for that, and that is to tell people where they can go.”
The proposal failed 5-2, with councilmembers Tom van Overbeek and Mike O’Brien casting the only votes in favor.
O’Brien argued the city needs stronger enforcement once the Warren v. Chico homelessness settlement expires in early 2027. The agreement has limited how Chico can enforce its camping laws.
“We need to bring back accountability starting in January to bring balance and sanity to this issue,” O’Brien said.
He said the city could adjust the rules if shelters fill up.
The council will revisit the proposals on Oct. 20.
