S.C. City’s Business Plans Fuel Bid to Move Homeless From Downtown

With its downtown showing signs of economic revival, Columbia, S.C., has enacted what advocates for the homeless say is one of the country’s most far-reaching laws aimed at people living in the streets, The New York Times writes.

The emergency plan passed unanimously by the capital city’s council following a marathon meeting this month effectively gives Columbia’s homeless people three options: accept help at a shelter, go to jail, or leave town, said the measure’s author, Councilman Cameron Runyan.

The plan is supported by business owners who contend rising homelessness and abusive street behavior could derail downtown Columbia’s nascent economic boom. Critics are considering legal challenges to the measure, which takes effect next month.