I do not work for the city or the consulting firm. I do understand a little bit about how architecture and zoning can have an impact though. 

Space informs people's behavior. You think the zoning and the way the buildings and spaces downtown are constructed do nothing to encourage the homeless to set up residence?

You don't think taking the vacant park blocks and giving people downtown a reason to go there on a regular basis won't transform the crowd from groups of homeless kids to groups of workers and residents? 

You don't think putting in some kind of high-traffic retail store where the empty downtown LCC building is would transform it from a trash-infested place where people sleep and loiter all day?

Yes, Eugene has a unique homeless problem and some people need help and shelter. But our downtown space has a lot of reasons for people not to spend time in it. And street kids and homeless fill that void. 

These measures are actually wise ways to solve it.