After proposals to ban public camping and loitering were brought before City Council, East Lansing residents and advocacy organizations packed several city council meetings to give powerful testimony in opposition. I have deeply appreciated the passion and expertise they have brought to this discussion about the harm such ordinances would have on unhoused people — affirming my own thoughts on this issue. In between council meetings, I have had many conversations with stakeholders, and I look forward to continued discussions on how we can center people’s humanity in our decisions.