City of Ashland officials are looking for ways to address homeless encampments going forward as the unhoused population grows in the region.

Similar encampments have been cropping up around the state as inflation and a lack of affordable housing leads to higher rates of homelessness. Over the summer, the City of Ashland cleaned up multiple encampments near Lake Superior after residents expressed safety concerns.

Officials are now making plans for how to handle the encampments this upcoming summer should they begin cropping up again. According to an Ashland Daily Press report, the city is developing guidelines for the removal of the encampments.

Under the proposed policy plan, city staff who find an encampment in the area will first need to determine if it poses any danger to the community. If it does, the city would post a warning at the site that anyone present must remove their items within 24 hours. If items are left behind after that, the city would hold on to them for 30 days before disposing of them and post a notice on how to retrieve them.

They say their goal is to be understanding to those experiencing homelessness while also finding a balance with public safety.

Addressing homelessness in the region has become an increasingly difficult challenge in recent years. In December, Eau Claire area agencies launched a task force to solve housing issues facing the area. The City of Eau Claire also passed an advisory resolution requesting more help from federal agencies in addressing the growing unhoused population.

As home and rental prices continue to rise and the unhoused population continues to grow, local municipalities will likely face more challenges related to encampments on public property.

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