SAN FRANCISCO (AP) This week, California's Governor Gavin Newsom urged the state’s cities and counties to implement bans on homeless encampments, providing model legislation aimed at removing the tents that have become a common sight in streets, parks, and along waterways across the state. Newsom, a Democrat, has made tackling homelessness a central focus of his administration since taking office in 2019, previously relegating the issue primarily to local officials.
Earlier initiatives included increasing funding for converting old motels into housing and other projects aimed at addressing homelessness. However, despite these efforts, Newsom continues to emphasize the need for local governments to play their part. On Monday, he introduced a draft ordinance that local governments may adopt to facilitate the clearing of encampments.
The model ordinance proposed by Newsom places restrictions on “persistent camping” in one location and prohibits encampments from obstructing sidewalks and other public spaces. It also requires that cities and counties offer shelter and provide prior notice before dismantling encampments, making an effort to engage those affected.
Local governments have expressed frustration, rejecting the notion that they are solely responsible for the issues related to street conditions. Organizations that represent California’s cities and counties are demanding dedicated and sustained funding over multiple years for permanent housing solutions rather than sporadic, one-time allocations. Carolyn Coleman, the executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, noted that eight out of ten cities already have policies to address encampments but require financial support to tackle the underlying causes of homelessness, including housing shortages.
The California State Association of Counties echoed this sentiment, stating that the state's allocation of funds for homelessness has not been as substantial as it claims, with a significant portion diverted to housing developers instead of direct support for those affected.
On the other hand, homeless advocates argue that encampment bans and other punitive measures can exacerbate the challenges faced by homeless individuals, making it harder for them to secure stable housing and employment. Alex Visotzky from the National Alliance to End Homelessness highlighted the risks associated with such bans, noting that individuals may lose crucial documentation or lose contact with supportive case managers when they are forced to relocate, which can hamper their progress in obtaining stable housing.
In major Californian cities, mayors have started enforcing crackdowns on encampments, citing public health and safety risks. For instance, San Francisco's new mayor, Daniel Lurie, has committed to cleaning the city’s sidewalks. In San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan suggested implementing arrests for individuals refusing shelter three times, indicating a shift towards stricter measures against homelessness.
While Newsom cannot compel local governments to adopt the encampment ban, the proposed legislation is coupled with an announcement of a $3.3 billion grant aimed at funding facilities for mental health and substance abuse treatments. This connection implies that compliance with the encampment ban may be linked to the receipt of state funding. In a notable move in 2022, Newsom paused a $1 billion allocation for local governments, citing their failure to meet acceptable benchmarks in reducing homelessness.
