California Governor Newsom Orders Statewide Removal of Homeless Encampments Amid Rising Concerns
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Thursday directing the eradication of homeless encampments around the state.
Newsom’s order would guide state agencies on how to remove the thousands of tents and improvised shelters that border California’s roadways, clog shopping mall parking lots, and overflow public parks. The directive makes it clear that the decision to dismantle the encampments is up to local authorities.
The advisory follows a decision by the United States Supreme Court earlier this summer that allowed towns to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public locations. The case was the most significant issue to be heard by the Supreme Court in decades, and it comes as cities across the country grapple with the politically complex issue of how to deal with an increasing number of people without a permanent place to live, as well as public frustration over related health and safety concerns.
“We must act quickly to address dangerous encampments,” Newsom said in a statement.
While Newsom cannot compel local governments to comply, his administration can apply pressure by withholding funds from counties and cities.
California is home to about one-third of the country’s homeless people, a problem that has plagued Newsom since he assumed office. Newsom boasted that his administration has spent approximately $24 billion on street cleaning and housing, but acknowledged the issue’s tenacity. Newsom’s administration has also come under scrutiny recently when an audit revealed that the state failed to routinely track whether the massive outlay of public funds improved the situation.
As governor of California, Newsom has prioritized homelessness. He advocated and campaigned for a ballot initiative earlier this year that would allow the state to borrow roughly $6.4 billion to develop 4,350 housing units.
The decision comes as Republicans have increased their criticism of California and its homelessness crisis, as Vice President Kamala Harris — a former California district attorney, attorney general, and senator — begins her presidential campaign. Harris entered the race over the weekend when President Joe Biden said he would not run for reelection.
The timing of the executive order is “curious,” according to California political expert Brian Sobel, but he doubts Newsom’s move would have a significant impact on Harris’ campaign.
“Harris’ problem isn’t in California, because California is a done deal,” the governor stated. “Where she needs to do well on issues like this are in swing states.”
Rather, the decision is a logical step for Newsom, who has referred to himself as the state’s “homeless czar” and made homelessness a defining policy issue in recent years, according to Wesley Hussey, a political science professor at California State University Sacramento.
“I don’t think it’s being motivated by the presidential race as much as it’s something that Newsom cared a lot about,” according to Hussey. “If you’re going to put it in a political context of the election, this isn’t going to magically fix the problem.”
Local political officials and business organizations praised Newsom’s decision, claiming that they had no other choices for dealing with homeless encampments before the Supreme Court’s verdict.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed recently announced that the city will launch a “aggressive” campaign to eradicate encampments throughout the city in August. Her office stated that the governor’s directive did not affect the city’s operations.
“I applaud Governor Newsom’s emphasis on urgency,” Kathryn Barger, a Los Angeles County Supervisor, said in a statement. “He correctly points out that the local authority remains in charge of removing homeless encampments. Cities are obligated to offer housing and shelter alternatives in conjunction with County government support services.”
Homeless individuals and their advocates argue that the sweeps are inhumane and a waste of taxpayer money. They argue that the solution is additional homes, not crackdowns.
Under Newsom’s directive, state agencies, including state parks and the Department of Transportation, would be compelled to prioritize clearing encampments that represent a safety risk, such as those bordering rivers. Officials should provide advance notice to evacuate, connect homeless persons to local organizations, and assist with storing their possessions for at least 60 days. Local governments and counties are encouraged to follow similar policies.