A Phoenix city councilwoman described Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to enforce bans on public camping as a victory.
The ruling involves a case from Oregon that impacts local governments and homeless people across the country. The Supreme Court reversed a lower court ruling that said outdoor sleeping bans amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. Phoenix had been under a court order that kept cities from enforcing bans if shelter beds were not available.
“I’m very relieved,” said Councilwoman Ann O’Brien. “I think it is a huge victory for the city of Phoenix and all of its residents.”

In May, O’Brien and her colleagues voted to expand the city’s public camping ban to within 500 feet of schools, day care centers, parks and shelters. The expanded ordinance will take effect Sept. 1. Violators face a Level 3 misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $100.
“I hope that we will continue to offer services but that we as a local city will be able to determine if an encampment is a problem and get folks services,” she said.
She led the push to create a community court where unhoused people arrested for low level crimes can get help with housing, health care and other issues.
“This is not about big sweeps and throwing people in jail, but we have to follow our laws, and the citizens of Phoenix, the business owners, they deserve that as well. They’re entitled to a quality of life, as well,” O’Brien said.