The “homeless problem” in Ashland
The Issue
I spoke to the complexity of the problem, the controversy surrounding it, and the breadth of its impact in the previous post. My perception is that the majority of those affected have little understanding of the issues. The problem has been persistent; the urgency to resolves waxes and wanes over time. When an ugly incident occurs, the public pressure to move forward increases.
The People
The city council, the police and the courts are the governmental agencies who are responsible for responding to the issues. Business leaders in particular are vocal and powerful, and can effectively block a decision through their lack of support. Ultimately the voters select the council and mayor, and can change the composition of city government. The homeless, transient, unemployed and mentally ill are quite powerless and mostly invisible at this point during deliberations. My impression is that the city government is doing its best to solicit the opinions of all involved.
Parameters
Collaboration is crucial to gain support of the citizens and the downtown business owners in particular. Bringing in the voices of the homeless and disenfranchised by listening to them was a brilliant move by the religious and peace groups. Hopefully it will educate everyone as to the demographics of the “homeless,” and reduce the stereotyping. There are probably a number of issues going on – ranging from a need for shelter and bathrooms, for treatment for mental illness treatment, to a need for policing.
Introduction to Collaborative Governance 
Your description makes it sound like the City Government would be the one to convene some type of public involvement process. It may be important to think about WHAT AGENCY of the city would do this, and what their decision-making responsibility is.
You have listed some folks who might need to be or could be involved in a process. You also mention that the City is already doing its best to get input. So, at this juncture, you need to analyze, which way the City would actually involve people–by getting their input, then deciding what to do, or by bringing some folks together to collaboratively decide on some solutions or recommendations. What do you think is the road that would work the best?