'Time for a change': MultCo DA Nathan Vasquez addresses enforcement of Portland camping ban

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – After the City of Portland announced Thursday it will resume enforcement of its camping ban, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez shared how his office will play a key role in this venture.

Enforcement of the camping ban ordinance — which Portland City Council passed in 2024 — will restart November 1 after Mayor Keith Wilson paused enforcement in February, as the city and partner organizations built hundreds of emergency shelter beds.

With enforcement back in place, the city says it will emphasize connecting Portlanders to shelters and services rather than emphasizing arrest.

The city said Portlanders should not expect a sharp increase in the number of citations in the coming weeks, noting as the city adds resources, outreach teams and enforcement staff can offer shelter before issuing a citation.

But leaders of some outreach organizations, such as Blanchet House Executive Director Scott Kerman, have questions on how enforcement will be carried out.

“So the question is if they’re going to give someone a citation, what happens next?” he said.

In a Friday press conference, DA Vasquez said it will be a many-step process before a citation is given, noting Portland police officers will "do everything they can on the front end" to get someone who violates the ordinance into a shelter "in a compassionate manner."

Vasquez also assured jailtime was a last resort.

"We want to do everything we can to avoid the criminal justice system and the jails," he said. "But at some point, we have to have a firm stance and say it's time for a change."

Vasquez added his office has been working hand in hand with the mayor's office, PPB, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, as well as willing homeless outreach services.

However, the DA noted there is no perfect solution. Should someone who violates the ordinance end up in jail, they would only be in for a maximum of seven days.

Further, should someone be cited and miss a court appearance, Vasquez said his office will charge them will a failure to appear.

"There's no magic bullet out there and certainly I don't believe that we can arrest our way out of something. That doesn't mean we don't try lots of different effort and makes some changes," he said. "While this community has stepped up with lots of different tools, it's time to make sure that those individuals out on there street are taking advantage of those tools. "

Watch the full press conference in the video below: