City Council Debates Encampment Abatement Policy: What Rental Housing Providers Should Know
On Wednesday, September 10th, the Oakland City Council held a special meeting to discuss Councilmember Ken Houston’s proposed Encampment Abatement Policy (EAP). The meeting drew significant attention, with hundreds of community members submitting public comments, emails, and calls to weigh in.
About the Proposal
The proposed EAP would introduce several major changes to how the City addresses encampments:
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Rescinds protections against citations or arrests for unhoused individuals solely for being without shelter or returning to previously closed encampments.
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Narrows the definition of “encampment” by excluding inhabited vehicles, single tents, and tents up for less than 48 hours—potentially limiting who qualifies for services.
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Expands removal zones to include parks, medical facilities, construction zones, and ADA-accessible pathways.
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Removes the shelter requirement, allowing only relocation even when no shelter beds are available.
Councilmember’s Position
While Councilmember Houston acknowledged that changes are needed—the current 2020 Encampment Management Policy has not delivered the results intended—he voiced concerns with the EAP as written. These include:
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Limited access to shelter and services.
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Risk of jeopardizing state homelessness funding.
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Potential legal challenges for the City.
What Comes Next
Councilmembers signaled their willingness to consider amendments that would:
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Provide a clear framework that withstands legal review.
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Ensure that encampment policies treat people with dignity and fairness.
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Prioritize health, safety, and stability for all Oaklanders.
Additional funding streams are also coming into play. Measure W will expand county housing resources, and Proposition 1 will deliver new investments in behavioral health treatment. Together, these tools may help balance enforcement with pathways to housing.
Why It Matters for Rental Housing Providers
Encampment policy directly impacts neighborhoods, property safety, and the broader housing ecosystem. Rental housing providers need clarity on enforcement standards and assurance that public spaces remain safe and accessible. At the same time, long-term solutions must expand in conjunction with rental housing providers, developers, and services so communities can move beyond cycles of displacement. The only way the City of Oakland can expect to provide enough housing for all of its residents is by growing the rental housing market through incentives, partnerships, and support.
EBRHA will continue to monitor the development of the Encampment Abatement Policy and advocate for balanced approaches that protect neighborhoods while addressing homelessness with compassion and effectiveness.