Portland re-starts rule about camping in public spaces

(OCTOBER 31, 2025) Portland city leaders are starting a new rule about camping in public places. Mayor Keith Wilson said this new enforcement will begin on November 1. The city stopped using this rule in February 2025. Now police will start giving people citations (tickets) if they break the rules. 

The rule says people cannot put up tents, blankets, or other materials on public property if the city gives them a "reasonable alternate shelter" (a safe place to stay). A safe place can be a transitional house, a hotel room, or another facility for the night. If a person does not accept the offered shelter, they may get a fine or go to jail. The fine can be up to $100, or the person could spend up to seven days in jail. The rules also prohibit people from blocking sidewalks or starting a fire. 

Mayor Wilson said police will not arrest people simply for camping. But police may arrest someone if they are found doing "criminal behavior". Police may arrest someone if they have existing court problems.

Mayor Wilson wants people found camping to use city help, such as shelters. The Mayor wants to add 1,500 new shelter beds by the end of the year. He promised to stop people from having to sleep outside in the city by December 1.

This new rule starts on the same day that federal food assistance (SNAP benefits) will end for many low-income people. About 15,420 homeless individuals in Multnomah County will lose these benefits this weekend. Groups that help homeless people are worried about the timing of these two events. Data from August 2025 showed that more than 16,000 people were experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County. Service providers worry that using tickets and the court system can make it harder for people to find housing.