Town Councils Gone Wild-2026 Edition: Lincoln, RI Town Council Poised to Criminalize Homelessness-Fines Levied for “Unauthorized Camping on Public Property” Fines Begin at $250

Another Example of Town Councils Gone Wild

At the Coalition, we call this “Town Councils Gone Wild”. Flush with authority, and a superficial understanding of challenging social issues, Town Councils around America weigh in with poorly constructed, often constitutionally ignorant town ordinances. Example? Narragansetts seemingly annual attempt to regulate student rentals. The Lincoln Town Council, in all their collective wisdom, has decided to workshop an ordinance re: the latest municipal rage: Fining people who have no place to live. A whopping $250 second offense fine for someone who can’t afford a rooming house, or a motel. Cue the screams .. “But it’s a civil fine”. And what happens when you don’t read: can’t pay a civil fine? Suspended licenses … and what happens if you have to drive to work, given the shambles the McKee administration has left RIPTA in? You get a ticket … Following the logic? Or lack thereof? Add on the poorly written disposal policy. The unhoused are constantly at risk of losing invaluable documentation, prescription medicines and cherished keepsakes. This policy will only serve to justify, and accelerate these risks.

Full Disclosure:

Tomorrow, Coalition Grand Poobah Pat Ford will investigate the following: Just how many of our friends are sleeping in the rough, in Lincoln … the resources currently employed by The Town of Lincoln in assisting the unhoused. …. The author of this brilliant tome, printed below … and more! Also, Pat Ford is Director of Libertarian Mutual Aid, an all volunteer organization that delivers water, in bulk, as well as other foodstuffs to homeless encampments, meal kitchens and food pantries, for 3 plus years, year-round.