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Carbondale Today
By the People, for the People
Carbondale Council Delays Vote on Camping Ban After Backlash
Dozens of residents spoke out against the proposed ordinance during a heated city council meeting.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:25am
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The Carbondale City Council did not vote on a proposed ordinance that would have banned public camping on city-owned property, following a two-hour discussion where dozens of residents spoke out against the measure.
Why it matters
The decision to delay the vote comes amid growing concerns over homelessness and the lack of affordable housing options in Carbondale, a college town that has struggled to address these issues. The proposed camping ban was seen by many as an attempt to criminalize homelessness rather than provide meaningful solutions.
The details
The council heard from over 30 residents during the public comment period, the vast majority of whom urged the council to reject the camping ban ordinance. Critics argued the measure would unfairly target the homeless population and do little to address the root causes of homelessness in the community.
- The Carbondale City Council discussed the proposed camping ban ordinance on Friday, March 21, 2026.
The players
Carbondale City Council
The governing body of the City of Carbondale, Illinois that was considering the proposed camping ban ordinance.
What they’re saying
“We must not criminalize homelessness, but instead work to provide more affordable housing and support services for those in need.”
— Sarah Johnson, Carbondale resident
“Banning camping on public property is not the solution. It will only push the homeless further into the shadows and make it harder for them to access vital resources.”
— Michael Rodriguez, Director, Carbondale Homeless Coalition
What’s next
The Carbondale City Council is expected to revisit the proposed camping ban ordinance at a future meeting, though no specific date has been set.
The takeaway
The decision by the Carbondale City Council to delay the vote on the camping ban ordinance reflects the growing recognition that simply criminalizing homelessness is not an effective solution, and that more comprehensive approaches focused on affordable housing and support services are needed to address this complex issue.
