City Politics

Grants Pass needs real, effective solutions to our worsening homeless crisis, not the beginnings of a never-ending "homeless industrial complex." The Vine Street proposal, which spans almost 8 acres, is exactly the kind of large-scale center that invites long-term dependency and mission creep. The people in charge say it won’t be fully developed and will remain small but we all know, it will grow at some point (more on this issue below). We must instead…

What Options Does Grants Pass Have Regarding the Homelessness Issue?1) Maintain the Current Unmanaged Homeless Campsites. This option continues to negatively impact our town, community, and tourism. It creates serious problems for local businesses and contributes to rising crime rates. This must not be a long term option. 2) Shut Down the Camps Without Providing Designated Areas Under Oregon state law (HB 3115), this would likely result in lawsuits and further court injunctions. The city…

There are currently two bills in the Oregon Legislature aimed at repealing HB 3115: Senate Bill SB645 and House Bill HB2432. HB 3115 is the law that makes it extremely difficult for Oregon cities to regulate and enforce homeless camping, due to its requirement that restrictions on time, place, and manner must be “objectively reasonable.” Although the 2025 legislative session is winding down, it remains essential to continue contacting our legislators and urging them to…

In Oregon, if a city does not provide designated places for homeless individuals to rest or sleep, it faces both legal and practical challenges due to state laws and recent court rulings. This will hopefully explain, even with the recent supreme court ruling, why Oregon cites (like Grants Pass) must offer designated areas for resting. Legal Obligations Under Oregon Law Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 195.530 (also known as HB3115) mandates that any Oregon city or…