Governor Gavin Newsom of California recently issued an executive order instructing state agencies to adopt policies to clear homeless camps on state properties. This move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, which overturned a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that limited the ability of states and cities to clear homeless encampments without adequate shelter options.
Newsom’s executive order marks a shift in policy, allowing local governments to utilize the significant funding provided by the state to take action in clearing homeless encampments. Previously, Newsom and other California city leaders cited legal constraints imposed by court decisions such as the Martin v. City of Boise case as reasons for their inability to address the issue.
In a video statement accompanying the executive order, Newsom emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that there are no more excuses for inaction. He urged local governments to utilize the tools and authority provided by the recent Supreme Court decision to address dangerous encampments and provide resources for individuals residing in them.
Since July 2021, California has made significant strides in addressing the crisis of homelessness, resolving over 11,000 encampments and removing 248,275 cubic yards of debris from encampments along state rights of way. The state has invested more than $1 billion in cleaning up these sites and allocated $24 billion over the past several years to various programs aimed at combating homelessness and providing affordable housing.
The Big City Mayors, a coalition of the state’s largest cities, expressed support for Newsom’s executive order, with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria praising the governor’s renewed direction and sense of urgency in addressing homelessness. The mayors emphasized the need for unity among local elected officials, state leaders, and housed community members in creating more shelter options and housing for those in need.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order represents a proactive step towards addressing the issue of homelessness in California. By empowering local governments to take action and providing substantial funding for cleanup efforts, the state aims to improve the living conditions of individuals in homeless encampments and move towards long-term solutions for the crisis. With continued collaboration and support from city leaders and community members, California can work towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive society for all its residents.