ACLU's Lawsuit against Sweeps ends in Dismissal

In 2017, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle for how it conducted sweeps of homeless encampments. Unfortunately, the class action certification was denied and the case was ultimately dismissed in Federal District Court. I make the complaint available because it highlights the City's ongoing practices. While perhaps a lawsuit may not be the solution, I encourage community leaders, and the individuals subject to the sweep, to come up with clever ways in which the city and private organizations can assist them in transitioning to more permanent housing. One thing is for sure, when I walk around seeing abandoned houses, I think what a waste-is it possible to convert these spaces and make them available to our people using eminent domain? Maybe.

2017-01-19-Dkt-1-Complaint.pdf

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