DeKalb County CEO outlines intentions for urban camping ordinance and enforcement

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — DeKalb County officials say a 120-day pause before enforcement of a new urban camping ordinance will give the county and nonprofit organizations time to prepare, as critics continue to raise concerns about its effect on people experiencing homelessness. The Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 on Oct. 27 to approve the ordinance, which bans camping and certain related activities in public areas. Supporters say the measure will improve public safety. In a letter to residents, county CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said implementation should be supported by outreach, shelter, behavioral health services and pathways to stable housing. “We do not expect that the ordinance will result in more arrests. What we expect is that the ordinance will mandate consultation,” Cochran-Johnson said. Chief Greg Padrick said an arrest would be a last resort. The ordinance requires that a person be given at least 24 hours’ notice to leave an area before an arrest, and officials said officers will be trained on its warning and service provisions. Cochran-Johnson said the issue extends beyond DeKalb County. “What we’re seeing is a result of the lack of affordability, also an increase in the cost of housing,” she said. State Rep. Omari Crawford said he believes the ordinance aligns with the state’s goals. “We believe DeKalb County has adopted an ordinance that addresses our public safety concerns while preserving law enforcement discretion, establishing safeguards,” Crawford said. Commissioner Ted Terry, who voted against the measure, said he worries it could criminalize people experiencing homelessness. He said a 24-hour notice may not be enough for people who need more time to accept services. “Oftentimes it takes people years and years to accept service,” Terry said. Terry also raised concerns about shelter availability, saying people may have nowhere to go. He said he will monitor actions related to the ordinance during the 120-day pause. Terry said the county should focus on diversion rather than arrests. He also said more than 700 people experiencing homelessness were arrested on private property last year and processed through the jail system, at a cost to taxpayers of more than $28 million. “The bottom line is when you arrest someone and put them into the jail and justice system, it becomes much, much harder to rehabilitate them,” Terry said. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.