2021/03/03 Council Agenda Packet

Marista Jorve From: Paul Roberts Sent: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 9:34 AM To: Deb Williams Subject: Fw: Fiscal Responsibility FYI From: Naomi Adele <adele26@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 1, 2021 8:25 PM To: Cassie Franklin <CFranklin@everettwa.gov>; Scott Bader <SBader@everettwa.gov>; Jeffrey Moore <jmoore@everettwa.gov>; Scott Murphy <ScMurphy@everettwa.gov>; Paul Roberts <PRoberts@everettwa.gov>; Brenda Stonecipher <BStonecipher@everettwa.gov>; Judy Tuohy <JTuohy@everettwa.gov>; Elizabeth Vogeli <EVogel i @ eve rettwa.gov> Subject: Fiscal Responsibility Hello, I am deeply disturbed at this council's proposed ordinance establishing a "no -sit" zone around the Everett Gospel Mission. Criminalizing homelessness does nothing to solve the problem of lack of housing and shelter, and only punishes the most vulnerable for their mere existence. I urge you not to pass this ordinance. Also, it might interest you to know that anti-camping/anti-sitting ordinances are expensive and contribute to the problem of mass incarceration. For instance, Seattle University School of Law's Homeless Rights Advocacy Project found that in 2013 it cost King County $131.53 dollars for every day an individual spent incarcerated; and a significant percentage of people in jails in Washington are there for offenses related to their homeless status, such as illegal camping. In addition to jail costs, there is also the cost for time police spend on each case, as well as the expenses associated with prosecutors, public defenders, and judicial officials dealing with crowded court dockets. This money is better spent on resources that truly address the causes of homelessness and provide a viable path to permanent housing. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this issue. Best, Naomi Smith i