California Governor Gavin Newsom called on cities to clear homeless encampments across the state, stepping up his efforts to tackle the persistent issue of homelessness in his administration. On Monday, Newsom announced the release of a $3.3 billion fund approved by voters to expand housing and treatment options for homeless individuals, alongside a proposed law that cities, counties, and towns can adopt or modify to meet his goals.
“The time for inaction is over. There are no more excuses,” Newsom declared in a statement. Since taking office in 2019, Newsom has made addressing homelessness a priority, and the state, which is home to nearly a third of the nation’s homeless population, faces significant pressure to address the crisis. Over 187,000 people in California are in need of housing.
With homelessness impacting public health and safety, and encampments disrupting businesses and neighborhoods, Newsom’s declaration came as a response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that made it easier for officials to ban outdoor camping. While the ruling was welcomed by many, it faced opposition from homeless individuals and advocates, who argued it was harsh.
The key provisions of Newsom’s proposed model ordinance include restrictions on “persistent camping,” bans on encampments blocking sidewalks, and requirements for local officials to notify and make efforts to offer shelter before clearing encampments. While Newsom’s office is providing a framework for cities to follow, local leaders are encouraged to adapt the rules to their specific needs.
Major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have already started clearing encampments, claiming it is necessary to provide access to public spaces for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. San Francisco’s new mayor, Daniel Lurie, has pledged to clean up city streets, while in San José, Mayor Matt Mahan has suggested arrests for those who refuse shelter three times.
In 2024, voters approved a measure that mandates counties allocate a significant portion of funds from a 2004 millionaire’s tax to mental health services and housing for the homeless. This measure is part of Newsom’s broader approach to addressing homelessness, which includes making it easier to force individuals with behavioral health issues into treatment.
Despite billions being spent on homelessness programs over the years, a 2024 state audit revealed that California does not have reliable data to assess the effectiveness of its spending. The audit found that $24 billion had been spent to tackle homelessness in the last five years, but there was no consistent tracking of the impact, leaving officials uncertain about the actual results of these investments.