The Hampton City Council reconvened on August 13, 2025, to address ongoing concerns regarding homelessness and public safety in the city. The session began with a review of a previously proposed ordinance aimed at allowing police to address problematic camping on city rights-of-way. This ordinance faced criticism for being perceived as an attempt to criminalize homelessness, which city officials clarified was never the intention.

City Manager Bunting explained that the council decided to pause the ordinance's progression to form a stakeholder group. This group aims to explore humane solutions to homelessness while addressing community concerns about public safety and cleanliness. The council recognized the need for a balanced representation of voices, including those from neighborhoods, businesses, and individuals with lived experiences of homelessness.

Bunting reported that the stakeholder group is now ready to meet, but they requested an extension of 60 to 90 days to allow for thorough discussions and recommendations. The council emphasized their commitment to a compassionate approach, aiming to uphold community standards while supporting vulnerable populations.

Demi Kalu, a civic designer from the Hampton Innovation Team, presented a framework for a co-design session with stakeholders. This session will involve diverse groups, including those with lived experiences of homelessness, service providers, concerned residents, and government officials. Kalu outlined a structured approach to facilitate dialogue and generate actionable solutions that respect the dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness.

The session will include activities designed to surface personal experiences and brainstorm ideas collaboratively. Participants will evaluate potential solutions based on their impact and feasibility, ultimately aiming to present a report with recommendations to the council.

The council acknowledged that they would not be able to present a revised draft of the ordinance at the next meeting, as initially planned. Instead, they will defer the discussion to a later date, ensuring that the community remains informed throughout the process. The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and ongoing communication regarding the stakeholder group's progress and findings.