Homeless

Grants Pass Shuts Down Two Unregulated Homeless Campgrounds
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics

Grants Pass Shuts Down Two Unregulated Homeless Campgrounds

IntroductionFollowing the phased opening of a new supervised shelter facility, the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, has closed two of its three authorized but unmanaged homeless encampments. The initiative shifts individuals into structured housing while transitioning away from unregulated public campsites that have drawn local concerns. Camp Closures: Contractors have cleared two municipal campsites located near City Hall and the police headquarters after issuing 72-hour notices to occupants. Remaining Site: A third, larger encampment situated…

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July 2, 2026
Enabling the Homeless Crisis: How State Laws Undermine Local Enforcement in Oregon
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / National Politics / State Politics

Enabling the Homeless Crisis: How State Laws Undermine Local Enforcement in Oregon

Two recent articles at Oregon Capital Chronicle entitled, “2 years after Grants Pass, 14 states, 350 cities have tougher laws on street homelessness” and “Year-over-year homelessness declines”. The first article points out two years after the landmark Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling originated from Oregon, over 350 cities and 14 states nationwide have utilized the decision to implement aggressive public camping bans and crackdowns on street homelessness. The other article points out while nationwide homelessness…

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June 26, 2026
Homelessness: The Real Difference Between Bend and Grants Pass
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News

Homelessness: The Real Difference Between Bend and Grants Pass

I often see posts in local social media groups about how Bend and other Oregon cities look so much cleaner and don't seem to face the same visible homelessness crisis we do here in Grants Pass. After looking into it, the short answer comes down to funding and shelter infrastructure. Bend has the resources to provide enough managed shelters and designated sites to transition people off the streets, which prevents the high level of visible…

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May 22, 2026
Support SB 1514 to Repeal HB 3115 – Homeless Camping Issue
Homeless / Local News / State Politics

Support SB 1514 to Repeal HB 3115 – Homeless Camping Issue

SB 1514 – Repeal HB 3115 Homeless where “objectively reasonable” has become a serious issue for Oregon Cities. Read about SB 1514; https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1514 Give testimony for supporting SB 1514: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Testimony/SCGG/SB/1514/0000-00-00-00-00?area=Measures Example of Testimony:I am writing to express my strong support for SB 1514, which seeks to repeal the provisions established under HB 3115. While the original intent of HB 3115 may have been to provide clarity regarding public spaces, its implementation has created a rigid…

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February 13, 2026
Current Status HB 3115 Repeal – Ballot Initiative 2026-054
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News / State Politics

Current Status HB 3115 Repeal – Ballot Initiative 2026-054

I know many people are very interested in this initiative: As of late January 2026, Oregon Initiative Petition 2026-054, officially known as the "Local Control & Safety Act," has just cleared a major procedural hurdle. The most recent update occurred on January 22, 2026, when the Oregon Elections Division received the certified ballot title from the Attorney General. This move allows the initiative to move closer to the signature-gathering phase for the November 3, 2026,…

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January 28, 2026
Homeless: Repeal HB 3115 with Ballot Initiative 2026-054
City Politics / Homeless / Local News / Local Politics / State Politics

Homeless: Repeal HB 3115 with Ballot Initiative 2026-054

A critical ballot initiative is coming that could restore local control in Oregon. HB 3115 forces cities to meet a vague “objectively reasonable” standard before acting, leaving them vulnerable to costly lawsuits and unable to protect their communities.Initiative 2026‑054 puts power back in the hands of voters. In November 2026, Oregonians can repeal HB 3115 and give cities the ability to enforce commonsense policies that protect neighborhoods, public spaces, and public safety. Some background:What Would…

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December 29, 2025
A Recap of an Excellent United Conservatives Lunch & Learn — November 6th
City Politics / County Politics / Homeless / Local News

A Recap of an Excellent United Conservatives Lunch & Learn — November 6th

The United Conservatives’ Lunch & Learn on November 6th was a full and lively event, bringing together wonderful people who share a common interest in understanding how politics shapes our everyday lives. Guest Speaker: Rhiannon Henkels — Josephine County ClerkWe were honored to hear from Rhiannon Henkels of the Josephine County Clerk’s Office. It was impressive to learn about the wide range of services her office provides and her extensive experience in public service. Rhiannon…

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November 8, 2025
Concerns of RFP Noncompliance and Oregon Procurement Law
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Concerns of RFP Noncompliance and Oregon Procurement Law

Dear City Attorney, City Council and Mayor It has come to my attention that one or more applicants in the recent competitive grant process did not meet the mandatory submission requirements outlined in the city’s Request for Proposals. Specifically, the RFP required that all proposals: Identify the zoning of the proposed location and demonstrate consistency with allowed uses; Include signed documentation from the property owner if the applicant did not have possession or control of…

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October 25, 2025
Detailed Reason Why A Homeless Grant Applicant Should be Disqualified
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

Detailed Reason Why A Homeless Grant Applicant Should be Disqualified

The Request for Proposals clearly states that applicants “must” identify the zoning of any proposed location, provide signed documentation from the landowner if they do not have possession or control of the property, and describe a clear pathway to obtaining all required approvals, permits, or variances. These are mandatory submission requirements, not optional guidelines. Failure to meet any of these conditions renders an application incomplete and noncompliant under the stated terms of the RFP. Allowing…

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October 25, 2025
City Council Decision on Homeless Grant Raises Transparency Concerns
City Politics / Homeless / Local News

City Council Decision on Homeless Grant Raises Transparency Concerns

As reported in an NBC Channel 5 news article on October 23, 2025, the homeless grant applicant Pathway to Stability appears to have not yet satisfied a critical requirement for their grant, a condition established by the City Council in September. The official Request for Proposal (RFP) clearly outlines the necessary terms. On pages 5-6, under the heading D. Project Requirements, it states: “Applicants that do not have possession and control of the location at…

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October 24, 2025