Newsom Urges Cities to Ban Homeless Encampments in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday called on California cities and counties to ban homeless encampments, intensifying efforts to address the ongoing homelessness crisis that has marked his administration.

During a virtual press conference, Newsom stated, “It is time to take back the streets. It’s time to take back the sidewalks.” He urged local governments to adopt a model ordinance that prohibits camping in one place for more than three nights and eliminates encampments blocking sidewalks.

The Democratic governor emphasized that local officials should make every effort to offer shelter before removing encampments. Newsom’s comments come amid rising homelessness in the state, which accounts for roughly a quarter of the nation’s homeless population, already surpassing 187,000 individuals.

Newsom’s administration has provided over $27 billion in state funding to combat homelessness, and on Monday, he announced an additional $3.3 billion from Proposition 1, a 2024 voter-approved measure aimed at expanding behavioral health housing options. However, he clarified that funding is not contingent on cities adopting camping bans.

Local leaders have expressed mixed reactions. L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported the model ordinance, highlighting its balance of public safety and compassion for those experiencing homelessness. However, critics argue that punitive measures may exacerbate the issues faced by the homeless.

Dr. Margot Kushel, director of the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, expressed concerns about the ordinance’s efficacy, stating it fails to address the core issue of insufficient housing. Kushel warned that frequent displacement disrupts connections to services and impedes progress towards stability.

In San Francisco and San José, local leaders have begun implementing measures to reduce encampments while increasing the availability of shelter beds. San José Mayor Matt Mahan even suggested potential arrests for individuals rejecting shelter three times.

Despite the governor’s push for encampment bans, advocates for the homeless argue that existing policies have not led to meaningful improvements. Carolyn Coleman, executive director of the League of California Cities, stated that ongoing funding is crucial for cities to manage the homeless crisis effectively.

As Newsom faces a projected budget deficit, he indicated that new funding for homelessness would come with “new criteria,” emphasizing accountability in addressing the encampment issue. The governor’s announcement reflects ongoing tensions between state and local governments as they navigate the complexities of homelessness in California.

“We want to see real results,” Newsom remarked as he prepared to present his updated budget proposal. His latest directive aligns with a renewed urgency to tackle California’s homelessness crisis, which continues to challenge the state’s leaders and its communities.