Remove hostile architecture from Mill Valley
The Issue
As students of Tamalpais High School, we are deeply disheartened to witness the presence of hostile architecture in our community, specifically displayed right outside our school. This deliberate design strategy, aimed at making spaces unfriendly to unhoused individuals, does not align with the values our community holds dear—compassion, inclusivity, and support for all.
Hostile architecture, by design, seeks to deter the most vulnerable members of our society from resting in public spaces, employing elements such as spikes, segregated benches, and barbed barriers. Such measures are both inhumane and ineffective in addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty. According to a 2020 HUD report, California alone accounts for nearly 28% of the nation's homeless population, with 161,548 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night. These numbers are staggering and highlight a significant social issue that demands a humane and compassionate approach.
Rather than marginalizing individuals further, we, as a community and city, have the pivotal opportunity to implement solutions that address the systemic issues leading to homelessness. Encouraging collaboration between local government, community organizations, and citizens is essential. By redirecting the funds and efforts used to create hostile environments, we can expand access to supportive services, improve temporary housing, and develop sustainable resource centers that can provide immediate help and long-term solutions.
We urge our city officials to take immediate action to remove all forms of hostile architecture in Mill Valley and work collaboratively towards creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Together, we can ensure that our community is a place where people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their housing situation.
Sign this petition to advocate for a city that truly embodies the values of empathy, inclusion, and proactive support for unhoused individuals. Let us be the change we want to see in our beloved Mill Valley.
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The Issue
As students of Tamalpais High School, we are deeply disheartened to witness the presence of hostile architecture in our community, specifically displayed right outside our school. This deliberate design strategy, aimed at making spaces unfriendly to unhoused individuals, does not align with the values our community holds dear—compassion, inclusivity, and support for all.
Hostile architecture, by design, seeks to deter the most vulnerable members of our society from resting in public spaces, employing elements such as spikes, segregated benches, and barbed barriers. Such measures are both inhumane and ineffective in addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty. According to a 2020 HUD report, California alone accounts for nearly 28% of the nation's homeless population, with 161,548 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night. These numbers are staggering and highlight a significant social issue that demands a humane and compassionate approach.
Rather than marginalizing individuals further, we, as a community and city, have the pivotal opportunity to implement solutions that address the systemic issues leading to homelessness. Encouraging collaboration between local government, community organizations, and citizens is essential. By redirecting the funds and efforts used to create hostile environments, we can expand access to supportive services, improve temporary housing, and develop sustainable resource centers that can provide immediate help and long-term solutions.
We urge our city officials to take immediate action to remove all forms of hostile architecture in Mill Valley and work collaboratively towards creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. Together, we can ensure that our community is a place where people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their housing situation.
Sign this petition to advocate for a city that truly embodies the values of empathy, inclusion, and proactive support for unhoused individuals. Let us be the change we want to see in our beloved Mill Valley.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on November 4, 2026