Letter shows list of downtown Columbia businesses that support ‘urban camping ordinance’

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia's Downtown Community Improvement District sent a letter requesting the City Council to develop an enforceable "urban camping ordinance."

CID Executive Director Nickie Davis told ABC 17 News on Tuesday about the letter being sent to the council and the number of businesses that signed in support. She said it is expected to be discussed at the next City Council meeting.

The letter has support from nearly 70 business owners and organizations. It aims to address concerns of public camping, sidewalk obstructions, encampments and sanitation issues.

The District wrote in the letter the initiative is not intended to criminalize homelessness.

"Currently, existing ordinances appear fragmented, broad, and difficult to locate or interpret. This creates confusion for residents, businesses, law enforcement, outreach providers, and individuals seeking services," the letter says.

The letter urges the city to pair the requested ordinance with compassionate outreach, like shelter referrals and mental health support. Adding that many communities have adopted a tiered enforcement model that prioritizes education and voluntary compliance over immediate penalties.

The district said that with the launch of the new Block by Block Safety Ambassador Program, clear laws are essential in helping them deescalate issues and connect people with services before emergency services need to be called.

The proposal has been met with criticism online, with some questioning the effectiveness of similar rules around the country.

The full list of downtown businesses who signed in support of the ordinance can be viewed below:

The letter can be found below: