Tempe voters likely to decide on new city park use and event rules

PHOENIX — Tempe voters may soon decide the fate of an ordinance that limits community gatherings in public spaces following a petition challenging the new rule.

Last month, the Tempe City Council unanimously approved the ordinance, which sets stricter guidelines for public events, especially those involving 30 or more people on city-owned property. It also gives the city the authority to approve some events held on private land.

City officials said the changes were necessary to enhance public safety, ensure parks remain clean and update the Scottsdale’s outdated event rules.

After its passage, the Democratic Socialists of America launched a petition drive to overturn the measure. If enough signatures are verified, the matter could go to a public vote as early as next March.

What’s the controversy around Tempe city rules, public events?

The heart of the issue is how Tempe’s new ordinance impacts grassroots efforts to support people experiencing homelessness. Advocates like Austin Davis, founder of the nonprofit AZ Hugs, say the ordinance gives the city more power to block community-led events that offer food and aid to unhoused residents.

“So grateful for the community for coming together to stop this law from being used against the homeless and neighbors,” Davis said, referring to the petition now headed for a potential vote.

Organizers argue that Tempe has shown resistance to allowing aid efforts in city-run spaces. Davis accused city officials of trying to criminalize homelessness and punish those living on the streets.

Another volunteer passionate about helping unhoused people is Katherine Kouvelas-Edick with the Aris Foundation, a nonprofit that holds events in Tempe every Tuesday to help people in need. Around 200 people visit for food or other support.

Impact of ordinance on volunteer helping unsheltered people in Tempe

Kouvelas-Edick explains even under the old rules before the July ordinance was passed, the city had denied her organization’s use of two city parks and still required approval for the use of a private property.

One denial occurred in 2022 when the city told Kouvelas-Edick her event at Jaycee Park to share food and services with people experiencing homelessness needed to have a permit from the city.

Another occurred more recently in May this year, when the city cited concerns of public safety, impacts on neighborhoods and strains on city resources for denying the use of Daley Park for the Aris Foundation.

“We did everything they asked, and they still denied it. They can deny anybody; it doesn’t matter if this ordinance is in effect or not,” Kouvelas-Edick said.

The Aris Foundation had been approved to use the Mountain Park Health Center, a private property, which the city still required a permit to use.

“It’s us against them and I don’t like it,” she added. “We have the same clients, we have the same people we’re trying to help, so why can’t we work together? They’re just not willing.”

Kouvelas-Edick said some of the unhoused persons and families who attend her events are already getting help from the city but are still in need of community assistance.

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