Georgetown Edition | July 2025

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

Georgetown City Council members approved ve ordinance amendments June 24, two of which will aect the unhoused community. One amendment will make it unlawful to sit, lay down or sleep on public property downtown unless authorized under the ordinance’s six exemptions, which include sitting down for a festival, medical emergencies and more. A separate parking ordinance amendment will prevent people from distributing food or goods in publicly owned parking areas throughout city limits unless otherwise authorized. For almost a decade, Helping Hands of Georgetown has parked at the Georgetown Public Library to distribute meals to unhoused individuals and low- income families. Michelle Augustine, a member of the recently formed Georgetown Coalition for the Unhoused, said she’s concerned about Helping Hands of Georgetown’s ability to continue food distribution under the ordinance. New ordinances aect unhoused community in city

Downtown overlay district An updated city ordinance prohibits individuals from sitting, laying down or sleeping in the downtown area.

VFW PARK

4THST.

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G A B R I E L

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SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Going forward

Public input

The big picture

During the ordinances’ rst reading June 10, Georgetown resident Kathy Bond said community members should be fostering relationships and building trust with people experiencing homeless- ness to better understand their needs. “I love this town,” Bond said. “I’m proud of it, but I am disappointed that we’re not willing to care for those in need.” City ocials determined establishing both ordinances are in the “best interest of the public,” and the ordinance addressing occupying public property will prevent disruption to residents, businesses and customers, per city documents. With the historic district home to over 200 small businesses, shops, restaurants and service provid- ers, Downtown Georgetown Association President Tammey Stokley said the ordinances are necessary for maintaining safety and accessibility in the area. “Unfortunately, we have seen a noticeable increase in concerns tied to public safety ... directly impacting foot trac, customer comfort, employee safety and the overall perception of our downtown Georgetown,” Stokley said.

Police Chief Cory Tchida said law enforce- ment will use the ordinances as a tool to handle “recalcitrant,” or uncooperative, people downtown. An individual violating the sitting and sleeping ordinance must rst receive a warning within a 12-month period before violating the ordinance becomes unlawful. A second oense could result in a citation with penalties up to $2,000 or community service hours, Tchida said in an email.

Michelle Augustine highlights contents of Helping Hands of Georgetown’s lunches.

ANNA MANESSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“The issue of the homeless and unhoused is a community problem that requires community

In an email to Community Impact , Augustine said Helping Hands of Georgetown will need to locate private property to continue distributing food. “For some people, this is the only meal that they’re getting once a day,” Augustine said June 24.

solutions.” CORY TCHIDA, GEORGETOWN POLICE CHIEF

GEORGETOWN EDITION