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<br /> <br />ELEVATING BUSINESS. <br />ENGAGING COMMUNITY. <br />EMPOWERING THE FUTURE. <br /> <br /> <br />July 21, 2025 SENT BY EMAIL <br /> <br />Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos <br />Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin <br />Members of the City Council <br />City of Redwood City <br />1017 Middlefield Road <br />Redwood City, CA 94063 <br /> <br />SUPPORT: Item 8.A. Anti-Camping Ordinance <br /> <br />Dear Mayor Martínez Saballos, Vice Mayor Eakin, and City Councilmembers: <br /> <br />I am writing to express Chamber San Mateo County’s strong support for the proposed Anti-Camping <br />Ordinance (“Hopeful Horizons”), and for a memorandum of understanding with the County of San <br />Mateo that would memorialize the roles and responsibilities of both parties on enforcement of the <br />ordinance. <br /> <br />The Chamber represents a diverse membership of over 1,500 businesses and organizations that <br />employ 85,000 people throughout San Mateo County. We participated in the City’s community <br />outreach to develop the ordinance and received consistent feedback from our members about this <br />issue that make two things clear: (1) the impacts of camping on city streets in Redwood City are <br />significant, widespread, and a threat to public health and safety, as well as the safety of first <br />responders; (2) the City has an obligation to address the problem in a way that reduces camps, <br />debris, and hazards while having compassion and providing housing for our community members <br />who are living unsheltered. <br /> <br />The proposed ordinance is not a panacea, but it is a step in the right direction. It signals that we are <br />not complacent about an unacceptable situation, it allows no enforcement actions only when there <br />is alternative shelter available, and it leverages the resources and experience of the County. <br /> <br />The City has the resources from grant funding and other sources to enact and implement this <br />ordinance, and an effective approach to camping will reduce the need for expensive cleanup in the <br />long run. The Chamber also encourages the City to pursue State Proposition 1 funding dedicated to <br />helping those with the most significant mental health needs and substance use disorders. <br /> <br />This ordinance is urgently needed as part of a comprehensive approach to homelessness in our <br />community. We urge you to move forward with the ordinance and a plan to evaluate the results. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Amy N. Buckmaster <br />President & CEO <br />Chamber San Mateo County