The City of Albuquerque has enacted a new ordinance aimed at addressing the growing issue of homelessness in public areas. On Monday night, the Albuquerque City Council passed a law prohibiting camping on streets, sidewalks, parks, and other publicly owned spaces. The decision follows months of concern from residents and officials about the impact of homeless encampments on public safety and hygiene.
David Williams, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, shared his frustration with the rising number of encampments near his home. Williams, who has lived in the city since the 1990s, reported that people have been camping in the alley behind his property for the past two weeks. “You can’t really drive through the alley because of the debris and people,” he said. “My neighbor witnessed one of the individuals defecating near her backyard.”
The city council convened for an extensive eight-hour session to discuss various ordinances, ultimately amending and passing O-24-58. Several members of the council cited concerns over safety, particularly in parks where children play. Instances of needles being left behind and aggressive behavior from individuals living in public spaces were highlighted as primary issues driving the need for the new law. The ordinance, according to council members, is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of Albuquerque residents, especially families visiting public parks.
However, the new measure has drawn mixed reactions. Irvin Mayfield, who has been homeless since 2021, voiced his concerns about the ordinance’s impact on individuals experiencing homelessness. Mayfield explained that he is often forced to move his belongings multiple times a day while waiting for housing. “I understand the neighbors and I understand their dilemma, but at the same time, who doesn’t have a dilemma right now?” Mayfield said. “Where’s the compassion?”
Under the new ordinance, individuals who refuse to vacate public spaces after receiving a notice to leave could face misdemeanor charges. The law also stipulates that enforcement actions can begin once a notice is issued. “Sometimes they don’t even give you a notice, they just come and start grabbing your stuff, throwing it in the back of a waste truck and compacting it,” Mayfield added, expressing concern about the lack of due process.
When asked about the enforcement of the ordinance, the city’s spokesperson stated that it will be up to the mayor to determine how encampments will be cleared. The city has not provided specific details on the methods or resources that will be used to enforce the new law.
The ordinance marks a significant shift in Albuquerque’s approach to managing homelessness and public space use. While it aims to alleviate the challenges faced by residents, it has sparked a broader conversation about the city’s responsibility to support individuals experiencing homelessness and provide adequate housing solutions.
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