Supervisors Call for Changes to Tackle Homelessness in LA County 

Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger have introduced a motion aiming to reshape how Los Angeles County addresses homelessness. 

What You Need to Know

The motion directs the County’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to evaluate the feasibility of implementing two key recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness (BRCH): 

Establishment of a Dedicated County Department for Homelessness Services to: 

• focus exclusively on serving unhoused individuals and those at risk of becoming unhoused. 
• aim to streamline resources, centralize decision-making, and improve accountability for managing funds like those from the newly passed Measure A. 

Refocusing the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) 

• LAHSA would concentrate on its core functions as the lead for the Greater Los Angeles Continuum of Care, allowing the new department to take over complementary responsibilities. 

The CEO’s feasibility report is due within 60 days to see if this new department is feasible. This report will include:

• An evaluation of LAHSA’s structure and staffing. 

• Current staffing levels and funding within departments. 

• A schedule for creating the new department and transitioning programs. 

• A plan for filling positions, prioritizing existing LAHSA employees. 

• A preliminary summary of transitioned programs (within 90 days). 

• A fiscal and staffing plan for the new department (within 120 days). 

How It Impacts You

For property managers, homelessness policies directly affect building operations, tenant relations, and overall community stability.  

A dedicated County department could improve response to encampments and resource distribution. 

This could lead to quicker responses and clearer contacts for property managers. 

The motion aims to simplify contracts, speeding up services and reducing disruptions in affected areas. 

Better oversight could lead to more effective use of funds, potentially reducing homelessness impacts near properties. 

However, the transition may bring some uncertainty as LAHSA and the new department adjust roles.

Property managers should stay updated on how changes could affect their operations and communities. 

Looking Ahead 

BOMA/GLA will monitor developments closely and advocate for solutions that support property managers. Follow BOMA on the Frontline for updates as the feasibility report and as subsequent plans unfold.