The Wichita City Council has passed a new ordinance aimed at addressing illegal camping within the city. After a day of intense debate, council members decided to reduce fines for homeless camping from $500 to $200. The ordinance also outlines the responsibilities of various city groups—such as Wichita Park and Recreation, the Wichita Police Department, and Homeless Outreach Teams—in removing encampments. These groups will be authorized to dismantle camps immediately if they are deemed a public hazard. However, citations will not be issued if shelter beds are available.
While the ordinance still requires legal review to confirm its various components, homeless advocates are urging the council to reconsider. Oliva Hays, a local advocate, expressed concerns about the policy’s impact on the homeless community. “This policy, no matter how you slice it, is taking someone’s home and creating more homelessness,” she said.
The new ordinance was introduced amid rising concerns from business owners in downtown Wichita. Property owner Tim Dugger shared his frustration, noting persistent issues with camping, break-ins, and vandalism caused by some members of the unhoused community. “As a taxpayer, I have the right to use public spaces without fear. In Delano, people have to ask others to move out of business entranceways because they’ve set up camp overnight,” Dugger said.
The ordinance will be revisited at the next City Council meeting on January 7. If approved again, it is expected to be formalized into city law as part of the consent agenda.
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