What to Know
- California Gov. Newsom's executive order directs state agencies on how to remove homeless encampments.
- The order makes clear that the decision to remove the encampments remains in local hands.
- the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this summer allowed cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday to direct state agencies on how to remove homeless encampments, a month after a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces.
Newsom’s order is aimed at the thousands of tents and makeshift shelters across the state that line freeways, clutter shopping center parking lots and fill city parks. The order makes clear that the decision to remove the encampments remains in local hands.
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The order comes after a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this summer allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces. The case was the most significant on the issue to come before the high court in decades and comes as cities across the country have wrestled with the politically complicated issue of how to deal with a rising number of people without a permanent place to live and public frustration over related health and safety issues.
"There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part,” Newsom said in a statement.
While Newsom cannot order local authorities to act, his administration can apply pressure by withholding money for counties and cities.
California is home to roughly one-third of the nation’s population of homeless people, a problem that has dogged Newsom since he took office. Newsom touted that his administration has spent roughly $24 billion aimed at cleaning up streets and housing people but acknowledged the stubbornness of the issue. Newsom’s administration has also come under fire recently after a state audit found that the state didn’t consistently track whether the huge outlay of public money actually improved the situation.
Newsom has worked hard to address the issue. He threw all of his political weight behind a ballot measure earlier this year to allow the state to borrow nearly $6.4 billion to build 4,350 housing units, which passed with a razor-thin margin.
The order comes as Republicans have stepped up their criticisms of California and its homelessness crisis as Vice President Kamala Harris — a former California district attorney, attorney general and senator — launches her presidential campaign. Harris entered the race over the weekend after President Joe Biden’s announced that he would not seek reelection. Newsom himself has presidential ambitions.
Under Newsom's direction, state agencies — including state parks and department of transportation — would be required to prioritize clearing encampments that pose safety risks, such as those camping along waterways. Officials should give advance notice to vacate, connect homeless people to local services and help store their belongings for at least 60 days. Local cities and counties are urged to adopt similar protocols.
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.”
In reaction to Newsom's announcement, the Republican Party of Los Angeles County posted on X, urging Mayor Bass to "do what is necessary.'' The social media post continued, "No more avoiding it. Do your job!"
