NEWS

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Friday adopted the Five Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness and an urban camping policy supported by both business and residential organizations as well as homelessness service providers.

Both the plan and ordinance had been tabled at the Commission’s last meeting.

An exact version of the same ordinance received a first reading at Savannah City Council meeting last Thursday, paving the way for final consideration at next week’s Council meeting. The city had previously adopted the strategic plan.

Seven of the nine members of Council spoke about the ordinance, giving their varying perspectives. The Chamber has weighed in with a letter of support, asking Council to approve the measure (see below).

“Because this issue is so important to our members, the Chamber has invested substantial resources, including significant staff time, to supporting the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) and the strategic plan,” Chamber President & CEO Bert Brantley said. “We led the way in getting the state legislature to codify the ICH and clarify the role of the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH), and we are actively engaged in the task forces that are implementing the strategic plan. This ordinance is a logical next step to give our law enforcement agencies the tools they need to keep our public spaces safe and accessible, and to connect the homeless population to the many services offered here in our community.”

See the Chamber’s letter to City Council below:

Mayor Van R. Johnson II
Members of the Savannah City Council
City of Savannah
2 East Bay Street
Savannah, GA 31401

RE: Broad Community Support for the Urban Camping Regulation Ordinance

Dear Mayor Johnson and Members of City Council,

On behalf of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, I write in strong support of the Urban Camping Regulation Ordinance on your May 22 agenda.

This ordinance represents a carefully considered and balanced step toward addressing unsheltered homelessness in our city. It is a compassionate approach that prioritizes connecting individuals to shelter and services while also providing necessary tools to maintain the safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of our public spaces.

Importantly, this measure has undergone extensive community conversation and enjoys broad support across key sectors. As you know, our Chamber participates in the Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) and will continue to be heavily involved in implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan already adopted by the city and under consideration at the county.

This ordinance has been approved by the ICH and endorsed by the Tourism Leadership Council, the Savannah Downtown Business Association, the Downtown Neighborhood Association, and the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) demonstrating a unified and fully vetted commitment to meaningful solutions.

The ordinance supports our shared goals of preserving Savannah’s reputation as a welcoming, vibrant, and safe place to live, work, and visit. It complements the strategic plan and the Encampment Management Policy, ensuring our community’s significant service infrastructure is not only available but activated when needed most.

We appreciate your thoughtful leadership on this issue and urge your full support of this ordinance.

With gratitude,
Bert Brantley
President & CEO
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce