The Altoona City Council yesterday passed a contentious urban camping ban, and new downtown protest permit regulations while rejecting a proposal to reduce the required distance between recovery houses. Reportedly, the urban camping ordinance passed in a split vote despite concerns regarding the criminalization of homelessness, with proponents promising a compassionate, service-oriented approach involving police and social workers. Additionally, Council passed a measure extending protest permit processing times from 7 to 30 days, while dropping proposed hourly police fees for downtown events, following community opposition.
Saturday 18th April 2026
