Councilmember proposes Reintegration Subcommittee to study halfway houses and community notification

Councilmember Harley proposed creating a Reintegration Subcommittee under the Committee on Development and Well‑Being to examine halfway houses and group homes for registered offenders, with an emphasis on balancing rehabilitation, public safety and community notification.

Harley said she has received numerous constituent calls about lack of notification and proximity of such homes to residential neighborhoods. She said the subcommittee would convene experts and community members to examine notification procedures, placement rules and any needed policy changes to make residents aware when group homes or halfway houses for registered offenders open nearby.

Harley said the matter will appear at the next City Council meeting and that the subcommittee’s work would involve public hearings and stakeholder outreach to find a balance between rehabilitation services and residents’ safety and notification needs.

No formal action or ordinance was adopted during the committee meeting; Harley asked colleagues to attend and participate in future subcommittee discussions.