The law allows citizens to sue cities for lax enforcement.
A Florida law that goes into effect in October will bar people from sleeping outdoors in public spaces, parks, or on sidewalks. The law also gives individual citizens the right to sue cities if they feel the law is not being effectively enforced, reports Atyia Collins for First Coast News. Attorney Khalil Farah said lawsuits would be difficult to win. “And if a civil lawsuit was to be successful, the city would only have to pay reasonable expenses,” such as costs related to the lawsuit.
The law requires cities to create alternate shelter options. According to Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, the city has developed a 12-step plan that includes adding beds to existing shelters and contracting with hotels for additional rooms. “The law allows cities to create temporary shelters and Deegan plans to build a shelter village that will add 100 beds through container housing.”
FULL STORY: Jacksonville legal expert examines new Florida law banning public sleeping, how lawsuits may be filed
Camping Bans Proliferate After Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling in the case of Grants Pass v. Johnson has led over 100 cities to pass or step up enforcement of camping bans that criminalize unhoused residents.
Nevada Cities Pass Punitive Anti-Homeless Laws
State legislators rejected a proposed bill that would have enshrined a “Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights” in state law.
Grants Pass Bans Outdoor Sleeping, Creates Designated Camping Areas
The Oregon city was at the heart of a controversial Supreme Court case that paves the way for the criminalization of homelessness.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
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The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
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City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
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