Mayor Ted Wheeler and Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell met Friday morning to discuss the City’s camping ban ordinance and their shared commitment to community safety and identifying effective solutions to the homeless crisis.
Both leaders believe that connecting people with services and housing is the best strategy to address homelessness in Portland. The Sheriff requested additional information and data about the Portland Police Bureau’s enforcement efforts and the City's Street Services Coordination Center team, which the Mayor created through an emergency declaration two years ago. These teams have been working successfully to build relationships with the homeless community and offer shelter and services with compassion.
Mayor Wheeler and Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell have agreed to meet again in two weeks, once the Sheriff’s team has had an opportunity to review the information that has been provided. As directed by the Mayor, the Portland Police Bureau will continue to enforce the camping restrictions via citation and referral to the District Attorney and the Courts.