Bismarck commissioners on Tuesday pulled proposed revisions to the city's prohibited camping ordinance and voted to seek a site for a new low-barrier homeless shelter. This significant decision followed pushback from residents regarding certain proposed amendments, specifically those that included mandatory minimum jail sentences for individuals violating the ordinance. The city is now considering a “tiered enforcement” approach for its prohibited camping ordinance.
Mayor Mike Schmitz addressed the city's prohibited camping ordinance during the same Tuesday meeting. In his remarks, Mayor Schmitz proposed the development of a city-owned, nonprofit-run low-barrier homeless shelter. Concurrently, he defended the inclusion of mandatory jail sentences for those who repeatedly violate the ordinance, a point of contention among some residents.
The proposed revisions to the city's prohibited camping ordinance, which the commissioners ultimately withdrew, included specific provisions for mandatory jail time for repeat offenders. Additionally, these amendments aimed to introduce new penalties related to property aspects of prohibited camping. The broader consideration for these changes to the ordinance has been an ongoing discussion as the city assesses its strategies for addressing homelessness.
The debate and subsequent actions by the Bismarck commissioners take place within a larger community context where homelessness remains a visible concern. For instance, homeless individuals were observed gathering outside Ministry on the Margins in Bismarck on October 1, 2026. The city's continued deliberation on its prohibited camping ordinance and the active exploration of shelter solutions reflect an evolving municipal response to these complex community challenges affecting Bismarck and Mandan residents.
The public's opposition to proposed mandatory minimum jail sentences was a key factor in the commissioners' decision to withdraw the more stringent revisions. This feedback underscored community sentiments regarding the enforcement of the camping ordinance and its potential impact on vulnerable populations within Burleigh and Morton counties. The city's current consideration of a tiered approach to enforcement may allow for more flexibility in addressing violations, potentially differentiating between various circumstances or the frequency of offenses.
By opting to look for a shelter site, Bismarck commissioners are initiating a new phase in the city's efforts to manage homelessness, focusing on providing direct facilities and support. This pursuit of a city-owned, nonprofit-run shelter, as initially proposed by Mayor Schmitz, aims to offer essential resources to those in need, with the potential to reduce the prevalence of prohibited camping incidents across the city. The full implications of the commissioners' vote and the subsequent search for a suitable shelter site will unfold as the city proceeds with these newly established plans, impacting residents and services throughout the Bismarck area.
