Public comment at the Oct. 29 Everett City Council meeting was dominated by multiple residents urging the council not to expand the city's buffer-zone or "no sit, no lie, no give" enforcement.

Speakers including Rich Ryan, Scott Sparling, Michelle Pendergrass, Annie Fitzgerald (telephonic) and others said the measures criminalize poverty, move people from block to block without reducing homelessness, and can be costly to enforce. Several cited national and peer-jurisdiction research: a cited Boise, Idaho litigation payout, surveys that found no evidence that sit-and-lie laws reduce homelessness, and studies reporting increased enforcement costs and displacement effects. One speaker said a study of 100 large U.S. cities found an average 2.2% increase in unsheltered homelessness in cities that enacted criminalization ordinances.

Annie Fitzgerald, who identified herself as formerly unhoused, urged the council to reject expansion and invest in permanent supportive housing, mental-health services, public restrooms and harm-reduction programs. Scott Sparling said the "no give" provision could criminalize residents who attempt to hand out blankets or supplies on freezing nights. Commenters also raised the cost of incarceration and the strain on food banks if federal benefits lapse.

Councilmembers acknowledged the comments; staff and the mayor said written comments were received and would be included in the record. Mayor Franklin noted one written comment about the buffer zone had been provided to council and legal staff.

What was not decided: Oct. 29 recorded public comments only; no final council action expanding buffer-zone enforcement occurred in this meeting.

Quotes: "If we are to proceed with a standalone, no sit, no lie ordinance here in Everett without proper alternatives, we run the very real risk of facing similar litigation," said Rich Ryan. "Buffer zones are built on the false idea that we can solve homelessness by pushing people out of sight," said Annie Fitzgerald.