Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach to addressing homelessness and clearing encampments in California

Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach to addressing homelessness and clearing encampments in California involves a multifaceted strategy aimed at resolving these complex issues. The initiative incorporates legal authority, substantial financial resources, collaboration with local governments, and comprehensive service delivery plans. Let’s hope this comprehensive strategy achieves its intended goals.

Legal Authority: Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, state and local officials now have the authority to enforce policies to remove unsafe encampments, which had previously been restricted due to legal ambiguities​.

Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF): The state has allocated substantial financial resources to support these efforts. Nearly $200 million has been made available to help relocate individuals from encampments into housing, as part of a larger $700 million two-year program​.

Collaboration with Local Governments: The initiative emphasizes strong partnerships between state and local governments. Local jurisdictions are expected to use the funding to provide comprehensive services and ensure accountability. The program supports 20 projects in 17 communities across California, focusing on moving people from encampments to housing​.

Focus on State Rights-of-Way: Up to $150 million of the funds are prioritized for projects that address encampments located on state rights-of-way, such as highways and bridges. This is part of a broader effort to ensure safety and public health in these areas.

Comprehensive Service Delivery: The approach includes detailed service delivery plans aimed at providing safe, stable housing and addressing the immediate health and safety needs of individuals in encampments. The plans are designed to offer person-centered solutions and support long-term stability.

Progress and Accountability: Governor Newsom has called for increased oversight to ensure that state funds are effectively utilized on the ground. This includes holding local governments accountable for the use of the funds and the outcomes achieved​.

By combining legal authority, substantial financial resources, strong collaboration with local governments, and comprehensive service plans, California aims to address the complex issue of homelessness and improve public safety and health across the state. However, there is always a ripple effect with anything, and for this order, property managers will need to make adjustments. They might need to work more closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with new policies and to support the integration of formerly homeless individuals into housing. This could involve participating in local housing programs or collaborating with social services to provide support for new tenant. Additionally, increased oversight and accountability measures associated with the funding could mean that property managers need to ensure their properties meet certain standards and regulations. They might also need to be more vigilant in reporting and documenting compliance with housing policies. This causes more time and expenses.

Property owners are also affected. Property owners might have opportunities to collaborate with local authorities and housing programs aimed at integrating formerly homeless individuals into permanent housing. Participation in such programs can provide property owners with additional revenue streams and possibly tax incentives or other benefits​. However, with increased oversight and accountability measures, property owners will need to ensure their properties comply with new housing standards and regulations. This may require investments in property upgrades or changes in property management practices to meet compliance requirements​, more simply put, more expenses.

This is a complex situation to monitor. While the initiative aims to bring positive change, I am not entirely confident it will achieve the desired outcomes. My concern is that the fundamental issues contributing to homelessness might be overlooked, potentially worsening the problem in the long run.