ACLU calls out Columbia city leaders, says request to discuss ‘homeless-targeting ordinances’ remains unanswered

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri is calling out Columbia city leaders, after it says a request to discuss city ordinances -- which it says targets unhoused people -- remains unanswered.

The request was first sent in a letter on July 16 and included support from local and state advocates including COMO Mobile aid Democratic Socialists of America and Missouri Jobs with Justice. It cites two city ordinances as cause for concern being the recently passed median ordinance and the existing 17-95 surrounding camping on public property.

The letter claims the median ordinance violates a person's rights to free speech and assembly. It went into effect July 1 and prohibits pedestrians and drivers from interacting at medians and intersections where the medians are "narrow, traffic volumes are high, or speed limits are high."

City ordinance 17-95 makes it illegal for any person in a park to camp in places other than designated areas for organized camping. The downtown Columbia Community Improvement District requested city leaders gather data for a formal Urban Camping Ordinance at an Aug. 14 council meeting, but no type of ordinance has been discussed or officially passed.

The ACLU says it requested the meeting to "better understand the city’s goals, to share the concerns heard directly from members of the community and to discuss potential solutions that promote both public safety and the well-being of all Columbians."

City spokesman Christopher Ave said in a response to the letter that the Mayor and council members have received the letter and are taking the request into consideration. In the meantime, Ave said the mayor is waiting on staff to provide her research related to the concerns expressed by the ACLU. Ave said staff vacancies have slowed the process down.

However, Ave noted the ACLU and other groups backing the request are welcome to speak freely at City Council meetings.