Springfield Chamber Weighs In On City’s Camping Ordinance

The Springfield Chamber has been monitoring the Springfield Camping Code ordinance revisions specific to non-sanctioned camping on public land. We have distributed the City’s survey to our members, reviewed those responses, and monitored City Council work sessions and related public testimony. We have met with and received feedback from business and community partners and, as tenants in a city-owned building, have firsthand experience operating a business and serving the public.

Our objective has been to ensure that businesses are heard, and that the preservation of community health, safety, and economic vitality are assured.

Based on these efforts, we conclude that the ordinance, as drafted, reflects sufficient intent to preserve community health, safety, and economic vitality, while also providing clear and specific rules and accountability measures for non-sanctioned camping.

While the ordinance itself is not proposed as a solution for the larger, complex issues surrounding houselessness, public discourse has brought attention to several concerns, challenges, and economic impacts businesses are experiencing now that deserve attention. We appreciate the city’s responsiveness to those that rise to the forefront, such as:

• Costs of maintenance, restoration, enforcement, and liability shouldered by business.
• Circumstances that present harmful or unsafe conditions for employees and clientele.
• Risk for loss of new development or business recruitment opportunities, jobs, and tax base.
• Costs of enforcement, resolution, preservation of public health and safety shouldered by local employers and employees.

For these reasons, we encourage continued constructive dialogue with businesses and community partners, and the provision of clear, specific guidance, business assistance, and solutions-oriented strategies.

Compassionate care for vulnerable populations is not to be confused with leniency for criminal activity or behaviors that diminish our quality of place. Monitoring and tracking impacts of these ordinance changes and houselessness in general will be important to inform and address unintended or unforeseen impacts over time.

We will advocate for resources in support of targeted and coordinated response, resolution, and prevention solutions, with our public and private partners, particularly those that strengthen workforce re-entry training programs, ensure public safety, stabilize housing affordability, and improve mental and behavioral health services.

The Springfield Chamber advocates for business-friendly policy in support of private enterprise, entrepreneurial endeavors, and an economically competitive business climate. Economic opportunity and growth lead to stronger, more resilient communities, and advocating for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation is a mainstay priority for the Chamber.

Visit our website for more on our Business Advocacy services and resources.
City Camping Ordinance