Story perspectives

Downtown Plan Doubles Patrols, Adds Fire Aid Amid Homeless Surge

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Officials announced a Downtown Plan to double police patrols while the REST Team will deploy fire-department staff to help homeless people.
Former council member Carl Mumpower blamed the decline after Hurricane Helene on liberal policies and reduced police staffing while Continuum of Care reported 824 homeless in 2026, a 9.1 % rise.
Senate candidate Michael Whatley criticized the Biden response and noted the Trump administration gave $1.4 billion in HUD housing relief.

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Story summary

Officials announced a Downtown Plan to double police patrols while the REST Team will deploy fire-department staff to help homeless people.
Former council member Carl Mumpower blamed the decline after Hurricane Helene on liberal policies and reduced police staffing while Continuum of Care reported 824 homeless in 2026, a 9.1 % rise.
Senate candidate Michael Whatley criticized the Biden response and noted the Trump administration gave $1.4 billion in HUD housing relief.