In Grand Forks, North Dakota, the city’s new homeless-encampment ordinance has been enforced only twice—once with a citation and once with a written warning—since it went into effect this summer, city officials confirmed.
The ordinance, approved earlier this year by the Grand Forks City Council, allows authorities to issue civil penalties of up to $1,000 for camping or sleeping on public property without permission. While the policy gives the city enforcement power, officials say it has remained largely unused.
Deputy Chief Brett Johnson of the Grand Forks Police Department described it as “just kind of another tool we have in our tool box. Fortunately, it’s something we haven’t had to use very often.”
Public Information Officer John Bernstrom added that homelessness in Grand Forks isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue: “There’s not just one thing that’s going on… some people are just passing through, some people are here for a week, some people are from Grand Forks.”
Rather than relying on citations, the city has focused on coordinated service efforts through a coalition that includes the police department, Altru Health System, and local homelessness service providers.
What This Means for Grand Forks Residents
Low enforcement signals restraint: The ordinance is not being used as a mass crackdown but rather as a last-resort option.
Downtown monitoring continues: Businesses, workers, and residents can expect public spaces to be observed, but outreach takes priority.
For service providers and advocates: The city’s approach reflects a balance—support services first, with enforcement available if necessary.
“Just kind of another tool we have in our tool box. Fortunately, it’s something we haven’t had to use very often.”
— Deputy Chief Brett Johnson
With only one citation and one warning issued since summer, Grand Forks’ homeless-encampment ordinance remains largely inactive. The city’s actions show a clear preference for outreach, health coordination, and supportive services over punitive fines. As winter approaches—and needs potentially rise—officials may revisit its application, but for now, enforcement remains a quiet backup, not a headline strategy.
