Boulder City says “no” to tent cities and “yes” to order

By Amy Groves  

Nevada News and Views

Boulder City isn’t the biggest town in Nevada. With only about 15,000 people, it has a small-town feel, a slower pace of life, and a reputation for being clean and orderly.

That’s why its leaders decided earlier this year to pass an anti-camping ordinance that lets the city dismantle homeless encampments on public property.

Supporters say the move is about protecting families, businesses, and taxpayers from the problems that come with large homeless populations.

And compared to what’s happening just 30 minutes away in Las Vegas, the numbers speak for themselves.

A Sharp Contrast with Las Vegas

According to the most recent counts, Boulder City reports only 12 homeless adults. By contrast, Las Vegas is dealing with nearly 7,900 homeless people, many living in sprawling tent cities.

Walk down certain blocks near the Strip or downtown, and you’ll see the tents, trash, and drug activity.

Locals say it’s hurting tourism and making families feel unsafe.

Boulder City leaders wanted to avoid heading down that same road. As one local business owner told News 3 Las Vegas, the ordinance helps keep the city’s character intact.

Legal Green Light from the Supreme Court

The debate over anti-camping laws isn’t just local.

In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that these types of ordinances are legal.

The Court said cities have the right to regulate behavior on public property, including banning overnight camping. That ruling gave communities like Boulder City the confidence to act.

Conservatives see this as a victory for common sense. If parks, sidewalks, and public spaces belong to everyone, then no single group should be allowed to take them over.

Justice Clarence Thomas, in siding with the majority, made it clear that local governments have the power to protect public order.

The Legal Fight Against The Ordinance

A former homeless resident, Susan Reams, filed a federal lawsuit against Boulder City, arguing the ordinance is unfair and cruel.

National groups point to studies, like a 2021 Stanford report, showing that even in California — where taxpayers spent $13 billion on homelessness between 2018 and 2020 — the problem hasn’t gone away.

Those dollars mostly funded short-term fixes, while shelter capacity and transitional housing actually declined.

Critics argue Boulder City’s ordinance may hide the problem rather than solve it, especially since the town doesn’t operate its own homeless shelters. Instead, it relies on nonprofits like HELP of Southern Nevada.

Why Conservatives Say Boulder City Got It Right

Conservatives counter with a simple point: Boulder City has kept its homeless numbers very low, while big-spending cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have seen their crises explode despite billions of dollars in new taxes and programs.

People in Boulder City take pride in being different. Many residents have praised the ordinance for protecting community standards and preventing the kind of urban decay they see in Vegas.

From a conservative perspective, this isn’t about being heartless. It’s about setting boundaries.

If cities let encampments spread, businesses suffer, property values fall, and families start to feel unsafe. Once that cycle starts, it’s hard to reverse.

By acting early, Boulder City may have spared itself a much bigger problem down the road.

Lessons for Nevada

This debate matters for the whole state. Las Vegas is the economic engine of Nevada, and its reputation affects tourism everywhere.

If the Strip becomes more known for crime and encampments than for shows and casinos, that hurts jobs and tax revenue.

Boulder City’s approach offers a different model: firm rules, local enforcement, and partnerships with charities instead of endless government spending.

President Trump has pushed for clearing encampments in Washington, D.C., and many conservatives believe cities across America should follow suit.

Of course, homelessness is complicated. Addiction, mental illness, and high housing costs all play a role.

But Boulder City shows that small communities don’t have to accept chaos as the price of compassion. With clear rules and consistent enforcement, they can protect the quality of life that families and businesses depend on.

The Debate Isn’t Over — But Boulder City Is Winning

Boulder City’s anti-camping ordinance is already shaping the conversation in Nevada.

Critics say it’s harsh, but supporters point to the town’s clean streets and low homeless numbers as proof that it works.

At the end of the day, most Nevadans want safe neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and public spaces their kids can enjoy. Boulder City’s leaders decided that meant drawing a hard line against encampments.

Whether Las Vegas and other cities take note remains to be seen — but for many places across America, this may be a model worth watching.

*

Amy Groves is director of the Coalition for Housing Freedom. You can contact her at amy@nevadasfinestproperties.com.