Justin Stabley/KJZZ

Kate Gallego in KJZZ's studio in 2019.

A Maricopa County judge this week ruled Phoenix has to clean up the area near the city’s Human Services Campus known as “the Zone.” He gave the city until July.

The lawsuit was filed by a group of nearby business owners, who argued they suffered irreparable harm, because the city allowed the encampment to overtake sidewalks near their property.

Homelessness is a major concern across the state, and this ruling once again brings the issue front and center in its capital city.

The Show spoke about it with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and asked her what kinds of options the city is looking at to show to the judge that they’re trying to improve the situation.

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