By this time next week, handing someone a sandwich, a pair of socks, or basic wound care in a Phoenix park will be a crime (a Class 1 misdemeanor – the worst kind).
Phoenix Imposes Criminal Penalties for Providing ‘Street Medicine’ in Parks without the Parks Director’s Permission
The hearing will be on June 6 at 2:30pm. It will likely be performative on the part of the Council.
The brainchildren for proposing this cruel ordinance are recently promoted former Parks Department Manager (and now Deputy City Manager) Cynthia Aguilar and City Manager Ed Zuercher (who makes $415,542 per year).
The proposed ordinance would make it illegal to provide medical care or distribute food in city parks without a permit. On paper, it creates a narrow pathway for very limited opportunities to provide very limited aid if an organization applies for and gets a permit to do so.
But, even if the Parks Department lets them do it (they won’t) it’s limited to just 2 events per month total, very limited time windows, and restrictions like making them set up a tent in a parking lot (which the city staff probably won’t let them do anyway).
In practice, folks who’ve worked with the Parks Department know those permits won’t be issued in any meaningful way.
Organizations like Phoenix Street Medicine, Circle the City, and others have been doing quiet, essential work for years… things like basic wound care, hygiene supplies, food, connection to services will need to stop or face jail time and fines (6 months in jail and a fine of $2,500 plus court surcharges).
Even with a permit (that won’t be issued), the proposal completely bans syringe services and any care involving needles. Naloxone for overdose reversal appears to remain allowed but only in emergencies.
There’s also a requirement that any approved services be provided from a “shelter” placed on pavement. Again, something the city is unlikely to approve.
I’ve now heard from multiple people who’ve met with Mayor Kate Gallego that, while she listened politely, they all left thinking the decision is a locked in ‘yes’.
And if you’ve watched the Phoenix City Council over time, you know the pattern: proposals from City Manager and Parks leadership tend to get rubber stamped with minimal resistance once they’re on the Council agenda.
We can expect one “no” vote (Councilmember Anna Hernandez). There will be lots of public comment (including ours) that will be ignored, and the Council will pass this. Just watch.
But that doesn’t mean our opposition is meaningless. Even when the outcome is locked in, the public record matters. Silence gets interpreted as consent… and we will be putting in comments to make it clear we object.
If you’re inclined, send a comment or sign up to speak:
You can also review the ordinance itself:
And here’s more reporting for context:
When you make basic humanitarian aid a crime, you don’t solve homelessness, you simply kick them in the teeth.