GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Glendale City Council seems to be moving ahead with a recent proposal that would make it a crime to ask for money from drivers on public streets.
That proposal would also make it a crime for panhandlers to stand on a median, ask for money at a bus stop, within 15 feet of a bank or ATM, or on private property.
Council did not vote on the proposal at the meeting as it originally planned, and instead provided revisions that specified what was meant by "aggressive" panhandling, and increased the reach of the proposal.
If approved, those who violate the ordinance would at first receive a civil violation which could result in a fine. Anytime after that would be a class 1 misdemeanor which, according to state statute, could land someone in jail.
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The proposal also lists other areas where panhandling would not be allowed:
- On public transportation
- At bus stops
- Within 15 feet of a bank
- On private property, unless permitted by the tenant.
The idea is in the early stages at this point. At the meeting on Tuesday, the council proposed revisions that increased the reach of what could be prosecuted.
Mayor Jerry Weiers proposed expanding the 15-foot distance specified in the proposal to 50 feet, saying "if we're gonna do it, we're gonna do it right."
Likewise, the council discussed how to enforce the private property clause given that sidewalks were city property. One suggestion: prohibiting panhandling within 25 feet of a business entrance.
Advocates worry jail time or heavy fines won't help people experiencing homelessness or needing money to overcome the situation they're in.
“It makes the experience of homelessness harder to escape," said Nathan Smith the chief program officer for Phoenix Rescue Mission.
He still has a lot of questions about the proposal, including if there will be other options besides fines and jail time. That may be more beneficial for those who are homeless and panhandling, like diversion programs.
“So that you just don’t inundate the system with people who are panhandling without giving them the opportunity to really fix some of the underlying problems,” Smith said.
Council members, however, were insistent that this proposal wasn't about homelessness.
"This is not a conversation about homelessness, it's about traffic safety," said Deputy City Manager Rick St. John. "Our roadways are not as safe as they could be for our pedestrians."
"This isn't intended to be an attack on people," said councilwoman Lauren Tolmachoff, "A lot of the people that are soliciting aren't necessarily homeless. It's actually a career!"
A spokesperson with the City of Glendale said the issue of panhandling has continued to grow since the pandemic. They are also receiving reports of more aggressive panhandling.
Those living in Glendale agree. Phillip Littles said he sees panhandlers every day on his way to and from work. Most of the time, they keep moving if you ignore them, he said. But he has also seen some not take no for an answer.
“[Panhandlers] knock on the window or really come pull up on the door handle," Littles said." It’s crazy.”
Council members asked for clarification about what was meant by 'aggressive' when used in the proposal, bringing up that different people have different views of what aggression looks like.
Proponents clarified that anyone approaching a vehicle for money would be considered aggressive under this proposal.
When asked why this is being brought up now, a spokesperson said they’ve seen the success this type of ordinance has had in other communities making streets safer for pedestrians and drivers.
You can read the entire proposal here:
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