Business leaders and city officials in Savannah, Georgia—often described as one of America’s most picturesque destinations, known for its Spanish moss-draped oaks, waterfront views and ornate ironwork—say they are working to reclaim parts of the historic city from growing homelessness, encampments and public safety concerns. In a joint statement provided to Fox News Digital by the City of Savannah, the Savannah Chamber and the Savannah Tourism Leadership Council, they pushed back on some coverage as designed to generate clicks by sensationalizing issues, while acknowledging that the problems are real and increasingly visible to residents, business owners and tourists.
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bert Brantley said the impact is felt daily across the business community. “Our businesses, workers, and downtown residents expect our public safety system to identify those committing crimes and deliver consequences for those illegal activities,” Brantley said in November 2024. Homelessness remains a top concern for chamber members. Ahead of Savannah-Chatham Day in February 2026, Brantley called it such an important issue, while Mayor Van Johnson said city leaders are pursuing state-backed solutions to address ongoing challenges, according to WJCL.
City officials have increasingly turned to enforcement measures. In June 2025, WJCL reported on the city’s proposed urban camping ordinance, which would make it unlawful to camp, store personal property or obstruct traffic. Savannah subsequently passed an urban camping ordinance prohibiting camping, storing personal property in public spaces and obstructing sidewalks or traffic. Alderman Kurtis Purtee told WJCL that there is not a belief that homelessness should be criminalized, but that the community must figure out a way to work together while holding people accountable for their actions. Johnson described the ordinance as “another tool in the toolbox,” adding that some individuals who “regularly engaged in criminal activity” require a different response.
Since the law took effect, the city says enforcement has led to 179 citations and 15 arrests. Officials also report that 135 individuals have engaged with service providers, with roughly 30% entering shelters after contact with authorities. Encampments in the historic district have been reduced by about half since 2023, according to figures provided by the city and partner organizations.
