The Grants Pass v. Johnson Ruling: Decriminalizing Homelessness Is the First Step in Solving America’s Housing Crisis

Yetimoni Kpeebi and Krista Evans

Journal of the American Planning Association, 2025, vol. 91, issue 4, 608-614

Abstract: The June 2024 City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal and societal debates about homelessness. The ruling allows cities to impose sanctions on homeless individuals who sleep in public spaces, raising profound questions about the intersection of urban planning and social justice. Through the theoretical frameworks of social justice and the right to the city, we critique the ruling as a setback in the fight for equitable housing solutions, arguing for the decriminalization of homelessness and a shift toward more compassionate and inclusive housing policies. We advocate for a reimagining of housing policies and urban planning practices that prioritize the universal right to housing, especially for marginalized populations.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/01944363.2025.2463969

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