The City of Sausalito has been receiving calls and emails from residents with questions and concerns about a homeless encampment on City land adjacent to Dunphy Park.

The Sausalito Police Department has been monitoring the site and its residents since the first tent was set up there in late December 2020. Since then, several more tents have been added to the encampment.

Although some residents find the tents unsightly, current federal law limits the ability of municipalities to remove homeless encampments from public property. Based on a ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Martin v. Boise, which the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review in 2019, cities have no lawful authority to remove the homeless or their tents except when they are able to offer alternative shelter or housing.

The grey areas of the ruling are likely to be sorted out in the courts in the coming years, including questions about instances where health and safety concerns would justify the removal of outdoor encampments from public property.

The City of Sausalito is currently working with local social service agencies to assist the individuals who are living at the encampment. If possible, alternate housing will be found for them.

Any questions about the encampment or about Sausalito's homeless population can be directed to Lieutenant Stacie Gregory at sgregory@sausalito.gov or (415) 289-4170.

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VIEW A MAP SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE ENCAMPMENT