East Lansing Neighbors Oppose Proposed Camping Ban Targeting Homeless

Residents argue the measure is unconstitutional and discriminates against the city's unhoused population.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Neighbors in East Lansing, Michigan spoke out against a proposed ordinance that would ban camping in public areas during a city council meeting, arguing the measure unfairly targets the homeless population. Multiple speakers criticized the ordinance as unconstitutional, with local leaders warning the city could face legal consequences if they pass it. The council acknowledged the public's concerns and lack of adequate housing solutions, but formally introduced the ordinance and will vote on it in two weeks.

Why it matters

This proposed camping ban highlights the ongoing tensions between addressing homelessness and criminalizing it. East Lansing residents are concerned the measure would further marginalize an already vulnerable population, rather than provide meaningful solutions to address the root causes of homelessness in the community.

The details

The proposed ordinance would amend the city code to define camping and expand the definition of public places where the activity would be prohibited. Under the measure, violators would face fines and repeat offenders could be charged with misdemeanors that could result in jail time. Police would be required to connect unhoused individuals with support groups before enforcing the new law.

  • The city council formally introduced the ordinance on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • A vote on the ordinance could be held at the next city council meeting in two weeks.

The players

Rebecca Kasen

Executive director of the Women's Center of Greater Lansing, who warned the council about potential legal consequences of passing the ordinance.

Nick Cook

Director of public policy for the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, who urged the council to pursue alternative approaches that "end homelessness not policies that entrench it."

Mark Meadows

A city councilmember who acknowledged the public's concerns and the city's lack of adequate housing solutions.

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What they’re saying

“If you pass ordinances that criminalize homelessness, you will be sued, you will lose and the taxpayers will pay for it.”

— Rebecca Kasen, Executive director of the Women's Center of Greater Lansing (fox47news.com)

“Choose solutions that end homelessness not policies that entrench it. Choose housing over handcuffs. Choose leadership over fear.”

— Nick Cook, Director of public policy for the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (fox47news.com)

“Where are people supposed to go? We don't have a particular answer for that. We haven't forgotten about this.”

— Mark Meadows, City Councilmember (fox47news.com)

What’s next

The city council will meet with advocacy groups in the next two weeks to try and craft a better solution before holding a vote on the proposed camping ban ordinance.

The takeaway

This proposed ordinance highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing homelessness in East Lansing and the need for the city to pursue more compassionate, housing-first solutions that don't criminalize those experiencing homelessness, but rather connect them with the support and resources they need.