Newsom Orders State Officials to Remove Homeless Encampments

California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order directing state agencies to adopt policies for the humane removal of homeless encampments from state-owned properties. This directive, announced on Thursday, follows a significant Supreme Court ruling that permits cities to enforce bans on sleeping in public spaces​.

The Supreme Court's decision in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson allows municipalities to limit homeless encampments, providing legal clarity that state and local officials can now act upon. This ruling is expected to influence similar policies across the country, particularly in Western states grappling with high homelessness rates​.

Newsom's order calls for local governments to follow suit, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both enforcement and compassionate support. The directive aims to address the sprawling tent cities that have become common along freeways, in parking lots, and in parks throughout the state. The governor's administration has spent approximately $24 billion on various programs to tackle homelessness, including a significant investment in converting rundown motels into housing units​.

Despite these efforts, the challenge remains daunting. Cities like Tulare and Los Angeles have struggled to provide enough shelter beds and permanent housing solutions. For instance, Tulare used its state grant to clear five encampments, but only a fraction of the residents found permanent housing. The rest were relocated to sanctioned encampments with tents​.

The governor's directive underscores the need for local authorities to provide notice before clearing encampments, connect homeless individuals with services, and store their belongings for at least 60 days. This approach is designed to mitigate the immediate impacts of displacement while longer-term housing solutions are developed​​.

Several California mayors have expressed support for Newsom's order. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, an advisor to the governor on homelessness, stated that the guidance aligns with his city's approach of "compassionate enforcement." He noted that simply enforcing bans without providing housing solutions would not resolve the underlying issues​​.

However, housing advocates argue that such sweeps are inhumane and ineffective. They insist that more housing, rather than enforcement, is the key to addressing homelessness. Critics warn that arresting or fining individuals for sleeping outdoors exacerbates the problem and diverts resources from more permanent solutions​.

The new policies come as California cities prepare to apply for the latest round of state encampment resolution funds. The state's $750 million Encampment Resolution Fund aims to assist local efforts to clear encampments and provide housing, though the allocation of funds and their effectiveness have been subjects of debate​.