Safe Outdoor Spaces

One local business owner says he was just trying to help out and improve his community. But a city fine, a lawsuit over constitutional rights, and finally a shooting death has threatened to put an end to his effort. At the center of it all, the fate of where 15 people call home hangs in the balance.

The Albuquerque City Council struck down a proposed change to the ordinance regulating Safe Outdoor Spaces, which are designated managed areas with access to basic amenities for people experiencing homelessness. The changes were aimed at making it easier to set up new spaces, because advocates say the current laws are too burdensome, and restrict private property owners from setting up more. One local business owner is suing for what his lawyers say is his constitutional right to allow people to camp on his property.