Denver’s urban camping ban brings 10 years of turmoil
“A decade since Denver banned homeless encampments, little data illustrates the policy’s success — or its cost.
The big picture: Colorado’s chronically sheltered homeless population grew by 266% between 2007 and 2021 — more than any other state — and the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time in metro Denver doubled between 2020 and 2021.
At the same time, the Mile High City ranks among the nation’s top 10 most expensive metros, with an average home sales price hitting a record $705,812.
Driving the news: Tuesday marks 10 years since the city’s urban camping ban was signed into law by Mayor Michael Hancock.
The milestone prompted opponents of the policy to don shirts that read ;Denver’s decade of doom’ in a City Council protest last week, causing an hour delay.”