Since June of 2019, Austin has allowed people to camp in most public spaces. The controversial decision to allow public camping was made by the 10-1 city council amid heavy pushback from the residential and commercial sector. Nearly two years later, voters sent a strong message to city leaders that they do not agree with the way the issue has been handled.
Proposition B passed on Saturday with nearly 58-percent of the vote, compared to 42-percent who were opposed. Supporters argued that public camping was not only a hazard for the public, but also for the homeless themselves. Critics argued that banning people from camping in public “re-criminalizes” homelessness and sends people back into the shadows.
The victory is being seen as a strong rebuke of the council’s soon-to-be-former camping ordinance. Since its passage, many voices have loudly opposed camping in public, but were unable to change the council’s mind. But back in February of 2021, a citizen-led petition was certified by the City Clerk, who verified 26,103 signatures in support of getting the issue onto the May 1 ballot, far surpassing the city’s 20,000 signature requirement.
“We need to make sure that our voices are heard, and they were heard at the ballot boxes today!” said District 6 councilmember Mackenzie Kelly at a Saturday night victory party. Kelly has been at the forefront of the battle to restore the ban in Austin. “We will make this city a safe place for our housed and unhoused neighbors, and we will move forward to fix what was broken two years ago.”
Various city leaders and groups have given their reaction since Proposition B was approved by voters:
“One thing seems pretty clear, people on both sides of this issue want to see public camping end. This election underscores that we need to accelerate and scale a solution to end camping.” — Mayor Steve Adler
“The overwhelming majority of Austinites share a common goal, no matter how folks voted on Prop B: Get people from tents into homes.” — Councilman Greg Casar
“Voters across Austin have spoken, and the message is clear; voters expect more out of their city and community leadership. Our focus and work remain unchanged.” — The Downtown Austin Alliance
“Voters have sent a resounding message that the status quo in Austin isn’t working, and our community and elected leaders need to listen. However, today’s election results do not change the fact that our work is just beginning.” — Laura Huffman, president and CEO of the Austin Chamber of Commerce
Proposition B will officially take effect on May 11, once the election is certified by the Austin City Council.
