California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering significant measures to hold local governments accountable for addressing homelessness. One key action under consideration is cutting funding to cities and counties that fail to utilize their allocated resources effectively to clear homeless encampments. This potential move reflects Newsom’s growing frustration with the slow pace of progress, particularly in regions like Los Angeles, which have resisted his aggressive stance on clearing encampments. Since taking office, Newsom has spent $27 billion on fighting the homeless problem in the state.
The funding cuts could be implemented as early as next year, targeting local governments with unspent funds specifically allocated for homelessness. The exact amount of state money at risk and the specific cities or counties that would be most affected have not been disclosed. However, this potential shift signals a more stringent approach from the governor as he seeks to see more immediate results from the substantial state investments in homelessness solutions.
Los Angeles County, home to the largest homeless population in the state, has been a focal point of this tension. The county’s Board of Supervisors has opposed Newsom’s directives, opting instead for a “care first” approach, which they argue has already begun to show positive outcomes. The county has reported a slight decrease in the number of unsheltered people and an increase in the sheltered population, which they believe justifies their current strategy.
Newsom’s renewed pressure on local governments comes on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows for stricter enforcement of sleeping bans and other measures to move homeless individuals from public spaces, even if no alternative shelter is available. This ruling has emboldened Newsom to push harder for encampment clearances, using the ruling as a tool to overcome legal barriers that have previously hampered such efforts.
Newsom’s administration has poured billions into combating homelessness, with mixed results. Earlier this year, a state audit revealed significant shortcomings in tracking how these funds were spent and whether they led to tangible improvements. Newsom has emphasized the need for greater accountability, stressing that local governments must not only spend the funds but also demonstrate effective use of resources to reduce homelessness visibly.
While Los Angeles has been resistant, other cities and counties across California have been more receptive to Newsom’s crackdown. Cities like San Francisco and Oakland have already begun ramping up their efforts to clear encampments, aligning more closely with the governor’s directives. In contrast, Fresno has introduced stricter penalties for violating camping bans, including fines and possible jail time, showcasing the varied approaches within the state.
In an effort to underscore the urgency of the situation, Newsom has made several high-profile visits to encampment sites, participating in clean-up efforts to draw attention to the ongoing crisis. These actions are part of a broader strategy to publicly pressure local governments into compliance, using both carrots and sticks to drive the outcomes he seeks.
Los Angeles, with around 75,000 homeless individuals, faces the most significant pressure under Newsom’s proposed funding cuts. The governor has criticized the county’s leadership for not doing enough to address what he has called “the biggest scar” on California’s reputation. The potential loss of funding could severely impact the county’s ability to continue its current programs and strategies, which rely heavily on state support.
This wouldn’t be the first time Newsom has redirected funds to enforce compliance. Earlier this year, he withdrew $10 million from San Diego due to the county’s failure to secure a site for tiny homes intended for the homeless, reallocating the funds to San Jose instead. This precedent suggests that Newsom is serious about using financial leverage to ensure local governments meet his administration’s expectations.
The coming months will likely see increased tension between state and local governments. The effectiveness of this strategy in reducing homelessness remains to be seen, but it is clear that the governor is prepared to take bold steps to address a crisis that has long plagued California.
