Full Breakdown
Proposed Ordinances Addressing Homelessness Spark Controversy in Cobb County and Salem
11/6/2025, 2:11:17 AM
Cobb County Police Seek New Ordinance for Homeless Encampments
Cobb County, Georgia, is considering a new ordinance aimed at addressing the growing number of homeless encampments on private property. Deputy Police Chief Ben Cohen highlighted that the area around Shady Grove Baptist Church has seen a significant increase in complaints regarding unhoused individuals camping on private land. Currently, police cannot intervene without the property owner's consent, which can be challenging to obtain. The proposed amendment would require individuals to have written permission to camp on private property.
Julie Doss, a homeless individual, expressed concern about the ordinance, questioning where the homeless are expected to go if they are displaced. Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid criticized the proposal's language, suggesting it could criminalize homelessness. Reverend Hayward Bass, who runs a homeless ministry, acknowledged the need for the ordinance but emphasized the importance of finding solutions for the homeless population rather than merely displacing them. The Cobb County Board of Commissioners is set to vote on the ordinance on November 20.
Salem's Local Control Initiative Faces Backlash
In Salem, Oregon, Mayor Julie Hoy has initiated a statewide petition to repeal standards governing the removal of homeless encampments, arguing it is about restoring local control rather than criminalization. The proposed "Local Control & Safety Act" seeks to eliminate the requirement that cities justify the removal of individuals from public spaces based on "objectively reasonable" criteria. This initiative has drawn criticism from residents and local organizations, who argue it undermines the civil rights of homeless individuals.
During a recent city council meeting, residents expressed concerns that the petition aligns with business interests that view homelessness as a public safety threat. Ryan Erickson-Kulas, a local activist, accused Mayor Hoy of prioritizing a political agenda over genuine support for the unhoused. Hoy defended her actions, stating that the initiative does not propose sweeps or arrests but rather allows cities to make their own decisions regarding unsanctioned camping.
Criticism and Opposition to Proposed Measures
Opponents of both the Cobb County ordinance and the Salem petition argue that these measures could exacerbate the challenges faced by homeless individuals. Critics in Salem, including members of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, contend that repealing existing standards would not provide clarity or additional resources for addressing homelessness. Christopher Lopez, a city councilor, emphasized that the initiative could lead to increased criminalization of homelessness without offering viable solutions.
In Cobb County, community members like Reverend Bass and Julie Doss are calling for a more compassionate approach that addresses the root causes of homelessness rather than simply displacing individuals. The upcoming vote in Cobb County and the ongoing discussions in Salem reflect a broader debate about how to effectively manage homelessness while ensuring the rights and dignity of those affected are upheld.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not opposed to it. However, I would just like to know where they expect us to go,” — Julie Doss, Homeless Individual
- “It is a very difficult position that we’re in, because we have so many complaints and we are trying to put together an ordinance so we can help the citizens and property owners,” — Deputy Police Chief Ben Cohen
- “She has aligned herself with business-driven efforts that treat homelessness as a threat to safety rather than a result of policy and societal failure,” — Ryan Erickson-Kulas, Activist
- “It’s not about criminalization, it’s not about sweeping camps, it’s not about an issue of human rights, it’s simply about local control and each individual municipality’s way of dealing with their very individualistic problem and situation and issue that they’re dealing with,” — Mayor Julie Hoy, City of Salem
