Omaha City Council voted against a proposal that would have fined people living in homeless encampments on public property.

Councilmember Brinker Harding emphasized the ordinance aimed to connect people with resources — not criminalize homelessness.

Advocates say the focus should now shift to long-term solutions like affordable housing, job access, and mental health support.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

A controversial proposal to create new fines and penalties for people living in homeless encampments on public land has been voted down by Omaha City Council members — ending weeks of heated discussion and community pushback.

The proposed ordinance had been at the center of debate for more than two months, drawing attention from local organizations that work closely with Omaha’s homeless popu

See Full Page