By Eric Curl
June 18, 2025 – The city is already receiving several requests for “immediate action” from citizens reporting alleged incidents, following the adoption last week of an ordinance that bans “urban camping” in public spaces, according to City Manager Jay Melder.
Melder urged “patience and realistic expectations” as the city sets up procedures to implement the new law with “respect for both the law and humanity,” in a memo sent to the council on Friday.
Melder said Savannah Police will enforce the camping ban as needed and appropriate, but that such actions should be taken with “dignity and compassion for those experiencing homelessness.”
Editorial: Where will they sleep?
The city manager’s memo outlines the next steps for the ordinance, which include developing informational materials, operating procedures, and performance metrics for how best to implement the new ordinance. First, the city will produce a flyer to hand out to individuals experiencing homelessness “to inform them of the new law, providing a list of Dos and Don’ts, and providing information on where and how to engage with the array of services our community offers,” according to the memo.
“We will also be producing SOPs and training our officers, service-provider partners and call takers on any new or modified procedures and reporting requirements,” Melder said. “This morning, I also reached out to Sheriff Coleman to inform him of the new ordinance change and to ensure that the City and Sheriff’s department was connected on this issue.”
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