Las Vegas Approves Homeless Camping Ban

The city of Las Vegas has approved a law that prohibits the homeless from camping in large swaths of the city. The measure provoked the opposition on most of the public in attendance at a City Council hearing this week.

1 minute read

November 7, 2019, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Sleeping in Public

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock

"In an attempt to address homelessness, the Las Vegas City Council approved 5-2 a controversial ordinance Wednesday that will ban camping, sleeping and similar activities throughout downtown and in residential areas," reports Miranda Wilson.

The new law, proposed by Mayor Carolyn Goodman, "will make it a misdemeanor to rest, sleep, lie down, use a blanket, camp or 'lodge' in public rights of way adjacent to residential properties, in 12 downtown-area districts, or within 500 feet of a food processing facility. "

The new law in Las Vegas recalls a similar law under consideration in Los Angeles, which would "ban sleeping on streets and sidewalks within 500 feet of schools, parks, day-care facilities and some popular venues," according to a Los Angeles Times article published in September.

Supporters of the Las Vegas law insist that the intention of the prohibition is not to prosecute the homeless, but to connect homeless residents with support services. Still, the approval met boisterous opposition from the public during the council's hearing on the law this week.

Additional coverage for the City Council decision is provided by Shea Johnson and Briana Erickson.

No mention in either article is made of the decision in Martin v. City of Boise (potentially headed to the Supreme Court) that requires cities that ban sleeping in public to have enough shelter space to house the homeless population.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 in Las Vegas Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog