Meeting Time: May 06, 2026 at 2:30pm MST
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Agenda Item

49 Request to Amend City Code Section 24-45 Relating to Certain Services in Parks (Ordinance G-7514) - Citywide

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    Andrea Wrenn about 1 month ago

    I oppose this ordinance. This ordinance uses overly restrictive language that criminalizes basic compassion. Requiring permits and misdemeanors for giving food, water, or aid will deter help while trash remains a citywide problem, not a parks issue. In extreme summer heat, limiting outreach puts vulnerable people at risk of death. The least we can do is offer water and a sandwich. Homelessness is a public health crisis, and this ordinance wastes money while avoiding real solutions. DO BETTER.

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    Julian Torres about 1 month ago

    Attacking harm reduction is not the solution to our problems; it will only exacerbate them. Instead of criminalizing care, we need to work towards having more robust systems and programs that support our vulnerable populations. This ordinance is ineffective and draconian. What kind of community punishes those who help? We should encourage community members to want to serve those in need, not fine or imprison them.

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    Alta Vista Block Watch about 1 month ago

    On behalf of the Alta Vista Block Watch, we support this ordinance as a necessary step toward balance. Our neighborhood sits between Cortez, Mariposa, and Homestead Parks—spaces that have seen significant investment to restore them as safe, welcoming places for recreation. Unregulated services, while well intentioned, can undermine that progress. Mostly, this revised ordinance doesn’t remove support it ensures it’s delivered responsibly while safeguarding the purpose of our shared public spaces.

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    Paula Overby about 1 month ago

    I strongly oppose this ordinance. Food & health care are a human right. The city has caused this issue by criminalizing the unhoused and not providing adequate housing, medical care and food access for all its citizens. The groups doing this work are filling gaps the city has left and literally provide life-saving services. The ordinance will only make the problem worse. There will be more waste in parks, EMS will become even more strained, and many more people will die if this is passed.

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    Lisha Krueger about 1 month ago

    Why are we adding unnecessary roadblocks to mutual aid? The groups that will be required to aquire permits to operate in public parks only exist because of the shortcomings and intentional failings of the system. The permit system won't limit the need, just the availability of services. The people who will suffer the most are the ones already suffering. I object to this ordinance on moral and humanitarian grounds. Provide the people access to care, not needless bureaucracy.

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    Shannon Richmond about 1 month ago

    I am in support of the ordinance. This ensures strict adherence to only reputable entities providing services. Our Parks teams should not be tasked with the clean up associated with more support events.

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    Marisol Chavez about 1 month ago

    Public parks are one of the few truly accessible spaces available to all residents, including those who are unhoused or living with limited resources.

    Restricting essential services in parks does not eliminate the need. It just pushes both those in need into more precarious situations.

    Community-led mutual aid efforts exist because there are real gaps in existing systems. I oppose this amendment because I care about my community and I want everyone in my community to get the care they need.

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    Caroline Lobo about 1 month ago

    As a Sunnyslope resident and business owner who uses local parks for recreation and community vents, I support the ordinance. These activities carry greater public health risks than many already-regulated park uses. Without proper oversight, they can create safety concerns for park users. Establishing clear standards will help ensure services are delivered safely and responsibly. I urge the City of Phoenix to adopt this ordinance to protect the health and wellbeing of park users.

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    Julia Sayre about 1 month ago

    I'm tired of seeing the mess left behind after services to the homeless were provided, but the provider did not stay to clean up. Perhaps permitting will resolve this problem and hold them accountable to clean up the mess their service makes.

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    Samantha Yazzie about 1 month ago

    I strongly oppose this ordinance. Public parks are for everyone, including our unhoused neighbors. Instead of caring for our unhoused neighbors, this ordinance targets them and will only sentence them to further suffering and death. This ordinance targets also our community members who are doing what the government should, and that’s caring for our community members. This ordinance is attacking our communities through policy and will only make things worse. Do not pass this ordinance.

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    Hannah Standley about 1 month ago

    I oppose this ordinance. Restricting the availability of food and water to those in need will not reduce cases of homelessness. Bottlenecking the source of aid for those in need will not reduce cases of homelessness. There is a massive difference between addressing cases of homelessness and removing homelessness from the public eye. This is an attempt only on the latter. Criminalizing compassion will not help anyone.

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    Erandi Juarez about 1 month ago

    Our kids have rights too, they have a right to feel safe to play and enjoy the parks our tax payer dollars help maintain. We do not want any more homeless at our parks, and do not support any action that would incite more of them to come take over a place that was intended for play, and enjoyment of the community and not just to act as a shelter or clinic.

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    Norma Barrera about 1 month ago

    I oppose this ordinance. As we approach summer, the weather will reach a heat that will lead to deaths. To punish the community for protect the unhoused by handing out water by fining them is disgusting. The unhoused deserved protection not discrimination who are neglected by our government.

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    Andrea Soto about 1 month ago

    The proposed ordinance fails to create a pathway for better social services and instead punishes community members who are doing the boots on the ground work to ensure our neighbors are receiving life-saving care. I am urging the council to reconsider the impact this ordinance carries which is beuqacratic and does not guarantee improving our social welfare and human services. Its language does not describe an accessible new system for stakeholders thus the ordinance must not pass. Thank you.

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    Logan Franklin about 1 month ago

    I strongly oppose this ordinance. Public parks are for everyone, including our unhoused neighbors. Instead of caring for our unhoused neighbors, this ordinance targets them and will only sentence them to further suffering and death. This ordinance targets also our community members who are doing what the government should, and that’s caring for our community members. This ordinance is attacking our communities through policy and will only make things worse. Do not pass this ordinance.

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    Philip Mc Cluskey about 1 month ago

    I support the ordinance and regulation of medical treatment and food distribution within the parks.This providing much needed regulation and framework to keep our parks safe while still providing to a vulnerable population.

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    Jeremy Peraza about 1 month ago

    You cannot legislate out of existence the very people you are failing. You cannot make criminals out of those who are stepping up to fill the gaps you've created by not funding housing, healthcare, jobs programs, and rehab. You are committing social murder by continuing down this path. Stop diverting your people's tax dollars constantly to police, surveillance, and luxury real estate. Start investing in your people's well being. Sheltered or not, they are still residents and your responsibility.

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    Ealen Brinkhurst about 1 month ago

    I strongly oppose passing this ordinance. Have compassion for others. This won’t make parks any safer. You are just preventing people from accessing the food and care they need.

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    Michelle roberts about 1 month ago

    Don't turn your backs on the vulnerable and hungry. This is a compassionate cause and you can make a difference between life and death. Be the help people need.

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    Elaine Williams about 1 month ago

    Please pass the ordinance for us to be able to feed The homeless one time a week. It's only 3 hours out of the day. In the city cannot seem to do anything to help them out.