An Analysis of Atlanta’s Ordinance Prohibiting Urban Camping: Passage and Early Implementation

Abstract

In November 1996, the Atlanta City Council passed an ordinance to prohibit certain “Urban Camping” behaviors on public lands. This paper analyzes the development, passage, and early implementation of Atlanta’s Urban Camping and Improper Use of Public Places ordinance. The ordinance prohibits lying down, sleeping, regular meal preparation, and storing belongings on public property. The ordinance is controversial because it criminalizes behaviors of homeless individuals who have no private property and therefore no choice but to perform tasks necessary to life 011 public lands. The ordinance’s passage in Atlanta is at least partly the result of a post Olympic private sector growth in power that capitalized on growing concerns about public safety and urban economic vitality. During its first year, the ordinance disproportionately impacted homeless persons. Arrests occurred primarily in parks and during daytime, summer hours. Arrests trends reflect continuing tension between Atlanta’s various users of public space.

Key Words:

• Homeless
• Policy analysis
• Public space