Washingtoner - Tacoma City Council Takes Action to Mitigate Community Impacts of Encampments on Public Spaces and Shelters

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~ Tacoma City Council Approves Update to Camping Ordinance and Creation of Community Buffer Zones

On October 21, 2025, the Tacoma City Council voted to approve an update to Title 8 of the Municipal Code, which pertains to camping and storage of personal belongings on public property. The new legislation includes the establishment of community buffer zones around public schools, libraries, parks, and protected waters where camping and storage of personal property will be prohibited.

The decision was made after careful study and years of discussion about the impact of encampments on the community. District 1 Council Member John Hines stated that this policy is not the city's sole response to homelessness and that conversations about how to address this issue will continue. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that public spaces are safe, accessible, and maintained for their intended use.

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District 2 Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh also expressed her support for the ordinance, highlighting the need for expanding access to services that work. She specifically mentioned therapeutic courts as a meaningful alternative for those in crisis. Rumbaugh stressed that this decision is not just about enforcement but also about investing in low-barrier shelter options, affordable housing, and partnerships with other organizations in the region.

District 4 Council Member Sandesh Sadalge acknowledged that this issue has been raised repeatedly by his community. After much thought and listening to his neighbors' concerns, he chose to support the ordinance. Sadalge agreed with his district's sentiment that areas near libraries, parks, and schools should be prioritized for outreach and connection to services. He also noted that this decision is not made in isolation but rather in conjunction with investments in therapeutic courts, affordable housing, mental health services, and alternative response teams.

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The new legislation also stresses the importance of providing support for individuals who violate the law but are qualified for referral to therapeutic court. Tacoma currently has two therapeutic courts - a Mental Health Court and a Community Court - where participants can receive treatment services and access community resources while being held accountable.

The city's Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) team will continue to respond to encampment locations with a services-first approach. Reports or requests for outreach from the HEAL team can be made online, through the Tacoma FIRST 311 mobile app, or by calling 311 within city limits or (253) 591-5000 from anywhere else.

The creation of community buffer zones aims to balance enforcement in sensitive areas with continued investment in compassionate resources to address homelessness in a meaningful way. The City Council hopes that this update to the camping ordinance will help maintain the safety and accessibility of public spaces while also providing support for those experiencing homelessness.

Filed Under: Government, City

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