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U.S. Supreme Court Rules on Grants Pass Case
Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a pivotal decision in the Grants Pass case concerning homeless encampments, marking a critical moment in our collective advocacy journey.
Since the 2018 decision in Martin v. Boise, the California Downtown Association has actively advocated for more effective and compassionate solutions to homelessness. Our commitment led us to support an amicus brief in 2019, urging the Supreme Court to hear and decide on the case, which was unfortunately declined.
However, another opportunity to address the Court arose this past year when the High Court decided to take up the Grants Pass v. Johnson case.
In a 6-3 ruling authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court concluded that city ordinances regulating camping on public property do not constitute "cruel and unusual punishment" under the Eighth Amendment. Justice Gorsuch highlighted the complexity of homelessness and the necessity for varied public policy responses, stating that federal judges should not bear primary responsibility for devising these solutions.
This decision aligns with the perspectives and experiences many of you have shared, which we conveyed in an amicus brief filed by IDA and supported by CDA. The Court acknowledged the challenges cities face under the previous Martin and Grants Pass rulings, noting that these decisions have often hindered, rather than helped, efforts to move people experiencing homelessness into shelters.
While this ruling does not solve the issue of homelessness, it represents a crucial step toward enabling cities to use a broader range of tools in addressing the crisis our districts are facing. As an industry, we must remain committed to collaborating with public and private sector partners to provide comprehensive support, services, and housing opportunities for those in need.
At the state level, CDA continues to advocate for increased funding for homelessness programs, the implementation, and expansion of the CARE Court program and enhanced mental health support through Prop 1. We are currently analyzing the Supreme Court's decision to understand its full impact on our cities. We will share additional resources in the coming weeks to assist you in adapting your homelessness action plans.
I encourage all members to engage with their respective cities to comprehend how this decision will influence their local efforts. Together, we can continue to make our downtowns welcoming and safe spaces for everyone.
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