Grants Pass, Homelessness, and the Lawlessness Question

Parkers Place Village didn’t come out of nowhere. The idea was first brought forward under the previous city council during Mayor Bristol’s tenure. At the time, it faced strong public pushback and was voted down. One of the biggest concerns raised then still resonates today - the location. Many residents felt it was too close to Riverside Park, one of Grants Pass’ most valued community and tourism areas, and too close to downtown. When the…

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Candidate Colene Martin’s Stance on the Homelessness Crisis Demands Voter Scrutiny

Oregon’s current strategy for handling homelessness has created significant challenges for local communities. State laws like HB 3115, which require local camping regulations to be “objectively reasonable,” have created legal uncertainty and contributed to costly litigation. State law does not require cities or counties to build and operate shelters, but when adequate shelter space is unavailable, enforcing restrictions on camping or sleeping in public spaces becomes legally complicated. Communities across Oregon are now forced to…

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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