HOUSTON – Less than 24 hours after Houston’s City Council voted to expand its civility ordinance, the decision is already sparking debate across the city.
The newly amended ordinance bans sitting, sleeping, or storing personal items on sidewalks in both Downtown and East Downtown — at all hours. Additionally, for the first time, crisis intervention teams will now be part of the response to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
While city officials say the move is aimed at improving public safety and offering more support for vulnerable populations, advocates and some council members believe the city may be moving too quickly — without adequate resources in place.
“We need a plan”
George Steed, who was homeless for 11 years before starting New Life Resort, a nonprofit supporting unhoused individuals, believes the ordinance could lead to positive change — but only if it’s implemented with the right support.
“This move by the mayor is going to force some change, and I think it’ll probably be good in the long run,” Steed said. “But we need a plan to go with this ordinance.”
He emphasized the importance of including community outreach groups in the process, noting that displaced individuals will likely migrate to other parts of the city, potentially increasing pressure on already-strained areas.
“Rather than force citations and make our jail systems worse than they already are,” Steed added, “we should be working with organizations designed to address these issues.”
City Council votes 14-2 — but not without opposition
The ordinance passed by a strong majority — 14 to 2 — but not without concern. Councilwoman Abbie Kamin, who voted no, said she supports long-term solutions but believes this move is premature.
“We need the beds first,” Kamin stated. “We’re facing hundreds of millions of dollars in mental health cuts at the federal and state level.”
She also questioned whether Houston’s police and emergency services have the capacity to handle the additional responsibilities.
“We ask police to do too much,” she said. “And this will, I believe, further strain our systems.”
Kamin warned that calls to report unhoused individuals under the new ordinance could lead to more police involvement and potential citations — which may escalate to warrants or even felonies, creating new barriers to housing and recovery.
Training and coordination are key
Both Kamin and Steed agreed that while expanding crisis response teams is a step forward, comprehensive training is critical.
“We are now expanding this operation to include Metro PD, constables, and others who may not be as deeply trained in working with the unhoused as HPD officers,” Kamin explained.
“We need more training,” Steed echoed. “Compassion, management, and treatment need to be at the forefront of this approach.”
What comes next?
City Council members have made it clear that the ordinance is not final and there are details that need to be fine-tuned. As Houston begins enforcing the expanded ordinance, city leaders, outreach organizations, and residents will be watching closely to see how the changes impact the unhoused population — and whether promises of intervention and support are matched with action and resources.
