Grants Pass Ruling Sparks New Homelessness Policies in California
Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order for state agencies to urgently address homeless encampments.
LA County Cities Responds
Mayor Karen Bass
Mayor Karen Bass of LA claims Newsom’s efforts to clean up the streets won’t work in her city. She thinks her approach to homelessness has worked thus far, and she will continue with her plans over Newsom’s.
Her approach has included providing immediate shelter through initiatives like Inside Safe while prioritizing long-term solutions such as permanent supportive housing.
She is quoted as saying, “for the first time in years, unsheltered homelessness has decreased in Los Angeles because of a comprehensive approach that leads with housing and services, not criminalization.”
Supervisor Chair Lindsey Horvath
Supervisor Chair Lindsey Horvath responded to the State executive order, by saying that LA County’s “Pathway Home Program is doing exactly what this state order calls for – urgent and humane encampment resolution.”
At a news conference, she said the executive order’s solution to homelessness would just result in “pushing people from community to community.”
The Board of Supervisors reflects this opinion with their unanimously approved motion that prohibits the use of county jails for people arrested at outdoor encampments where they're living.
Long Beach Clearing Encampments
After Governor Gavin Newsom threatened to withhold funding, Long Beach has officially begun clearing homeless encampments.
Most interestingly leaders say it's possible that they will use criminal penalties as needed.
What You Need to Know
This executive order itself had asked state agencies to urgently address homeless encampments.
This order follows the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Grants Pass v Johnson. Which allows cities to enforce "anti-camping" laws without violating constitutional protections against "cruel and unusual" punishment.
The Supreme Court's ruling allows local governments to remove encampments, provided they follow proper procedures.
For example, Governor Newsom’s order requires state agencies to manage encampments with care. This is done by giving individuals adequate notice and support before any removal.
Local governments are being encouraged to adopt similar practices and use state funds to help with these efforts.
For example, using the $3.3 billion from Proposition 1 to improve mental health services and support people with substance use problems.
This order comes in response to a growing call for more effective measures to address homelessness.
How It Impacts You
Removing encampments can make neighborhoods cleaner and safer and attract more tenants.
There could also be chances to work with local governments on projects to improve the community, using state funds to upgrade local amenities and infrastructure.
However, properties near new or moved encampments may need better security to ensure tenant safety.
Removing encampments might cause them to appear in other areas, requiring continuous attention and planning.
The governor’s order does not force cities to do anything more, but only directs state agencies to act on its property.
Stay Connected
Stay connected with BOMA on the Frontline for more information on how other localities respond to this executive order with their own plans to tackle homeless encampments.
