Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday urged California’s local governments to clear homeless encampments, escalating the state’s efforts to ban the growing number of makeshift camps on sidewalks and in parks that are the most visible signs of the crisis of people living on the streets.
The announcement of a new model ordinance for counties, cities and towns is coupled with the release of $3.3 billion in voter-approved funds the state will make available to communities to expand housing and treatment options for homeless residents, the governor’s office said in a news release.
The goal is to help municipalities set “rules around encampments and establish effective enforcement procedures” that prioritize shelter and services.
“Encampments pose a serious public safety risk, and expose the people in encampments to increased risk of sexual violence, criminal activity, property damage and break-ins, and unsanitary conditions,” the news release said.
In 2024, voters approved a measure that imposes strict requirements on counties to spend on housing and drug treatment programs to address the homelessness crisis. It was a signature proposal for Newsom, who campaigned for the measure’s passage.
Under the measure, counties are required to spend about two-thirds of the money from a voter-approved tax enacted in 2004 on millionaires for mental health services on housing and programs for homeless people with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse problems.
