Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting just got a lot shorter.

Mayor Misty Buscher and Ald. Lakeisha Purchase, sponsors of the ordinance prohibiting public camping in the city, now say it won’t be heard. This comes a week after an attempt to put it on “emergency passage” fizzled, with the council sending it to committee. Much public comment against the ordinance focused on its impact on the homeless, whom opponents say are the real targets.

The statement from the mayor and Purchase, sponsors of the ordinance:

“We understand and respect the concerns raised by local advocacy groups, stakeholders, and members of our community regarding Ordinance 2024-376. In light of these concerns, we, as sponsors of the ordinance, have decided to request that the ordinance be withdrawn from committee consideration.”