ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE XVI, CHAPTER 40 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, HOUSTON, TEXAS relating to sitting and lying upon public sidewalks; declaring certain conduct to be unlawful and providing a penalty therefor; containing findings and other provisions relating to the foregoing subject; providing for severability

In an effort to end street homelessness, the Directors of OEM and Housing and Community Development request Council approval of an amendment to the Civility Ordinance in the areas of the Central Business District and East Downtown.  Specifically the ordinance would be amended to no longer allow sitting, lying, or storing belongings on the sidewalks even during the overnight hours.

The change is in the two civility areas first as a pilot program to promote more directed interactions between the administration and those suffering chronic homelessness.  The goal is facilitation of structured and reinforced wrap-around support.

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Chief Larry Satterwhite

Director, Public Safety & Homeland Security

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Mike Nichols

Director, Housing and Community Development