The City of Missoula has recently enacted a new policy prohibiting camping in public parks, a decision that has sparked a heated debate among residents, city officials, and advocates for the unhoused community.
After nearly six hours of discussion and public comment, the council approved the proposal, which was discussed in October, with several amendments in a 9-3 vote. Council Members Daniel Carlino, Kristen Jordan, and Jennifer Savage were opposed. The ban, which will take place on January 2, 2025, is part of a broader effort to address homelessness while maintaining the intended use of public spaces.
The ordinance prohibits overnight camping in all city parks, including high-traffic areas like Caras Park, Bonner Park, and Greenough Park. Violators may face citations or removal by law enforcement. City officials have emphasized that the measure is aimed at preserving park accessibility for recreation and safety for all residents.
The updated rules include language to clarify that the city is willing to provide city land for a service provider willing to operate a designated camping facility. Also, it clarifies that while unsheltered people may camp on city property, that only includes areas open for public use. That could include areas along trails outside the buffer zone, city right-of-way, and empty city parking lots or other properties.
The policy has drawn mixed reactions. Some residents support the move, citing concerns over public safety, sanitation, and the degradation of parks. “We don’t contemplate putting a map out,” Dale Bickell, the city’s chief administrative officer, said. “And our enforcement is largely complaint-driven, whether it’s members of our team in Parks, for example, or public complaints.”
However, according to NBC Montana, some argue that the ban criminalizes homelessness without offering adequate alternatives. Advocates for unhoused individuals have called for increased funding for shelters and affordable housing instead of punitive measures.
In response to concerns, the city has announced plans to expand services for those experiencing homelessness. This includes The Missoula Coordinated Entry System (MCES) which was created in 2017 as one of the solutions for homelessness in Missoula.
The Poverello Center, Missoula’s largest homeless shelter, has reported being at or near capacity frequently, raising questions about whether existing resources can meet the growing demand.
As Missoula grapples with the challenges of balancing public space use with compassionate support for its unhoused population, the no-camping ordinance will likely remain a contentious issue. City officials plan to review the policy’s impact in six months to determine its effectiveness and address any unintended consequences.
For now, the debate underscores the complexities of addressing homelessness in a growing city, leaving many to question how best to serve the needs of all Missoula residents.
The updated rules include language to clarify that the city is willing to provide city land for a service provider willing to operate a designated camping facility. Also, it clarifies that while unsheltered people may camp on city property, that only includes areas open for public use. That could include areas along trails outside the buffer zone, city right-of-way, and empty city parking lots or other properties.
