Newsom to counties: Clear homeless encampments or lose funding

[chowder66]

14. More about the issue

Much more at link....

In Paris for the Olympics, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said that homelessness has decreased in the city for the first time in years, citing an approach that lead with housing and services and not criminalization.

"Strategies that just move people along from one neighborhood to the next or give citations instead of housing do not work,'' Bass said in a statement. "We thank the governor for his partnership thus far and hope that he will continue collaboration on strategies that work.''

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement on the order.

“I applaud Governor Newsom’s emphasis on urgency. He rightfully points out that local government remains at the helm of homeless encampment removals," Barger said. "Cities have an obligation to develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by County government. This formula, which is largely based on partnerships, is how we can deliver permanent results. No single entity can achieve that.”


https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california-news/newsom-executive-order-homeless/3468854/

And more.....

The state has spent roughly $24 billion under Newsom's leadership to clean up streets and house people. That includes at least $3.2 billion in grants given to local government to build shelters, clear encampments and connect homeless people to services as they see fit, Newsom said.

Those have been unprecedented investments from the state, he added, but his administration will start redirecting that money in January.

“This is not about criminalization," Newsom said. "What’s criminal is neglecting people that are struggling and suffering and dying on our watch."

It's not the first time Newsom has vowed to cut funding over what he sees as the lackluster efforts from local governments to address homelessness. In 2022, he threatened to withhold $1 billion in homelessness spending from cities and counties over the lack of progress. Last month, his office clawed back a $10-million grant sent to San Diego to build tiny homes because the county didn't act fast enough.

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/california/newsom-funding-clearing-encampments/3620249/

This is a massive undertaking and Mayor Bass has made progress here in L.A. but people are being shuffled around as the need for more shelters and housing is still woefully behind. Basically Newsom wants to see the money he has sent to cities and counties to show results or begin resolving these problems.