California Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging cities to clear out homeless encampments with a new state model he released on Monday.
Newsom’s new model coincides with $3.3 billion in taxpayer funding that was also released on Monday to combat homelessness.
The big picture: The Newsom administration shared a model ordinance with cities across the state to give them a starting point to craft their own ordinances that will target homeless encampments.
- The model ordinance bans persistent camping in one location, as well as encampments that block sidewalks.
- The ordinance also includes a requirement for local officials to provide notice and make every reasonable effort to identify and offer shelter before clearing an encampment.
The backstory: Newsom’s model builds on an executive order he signed last year directing state agencies to clear homeless encampments on state property.
- That followed a ruling from the Supreme Court last year that allowed cities to enforce anti-camping bans even if there is not enough shelter space.
Go deeper: The governor also announced $3.3 billion for local communities in Proposition 1 funding.
- That funding will go toward housing and drug treatment programs for the homeless.
What he’s saying: “There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets. Local leaders asked for resources – we delivered the largest state investment in history,” Newsom said in a statement. “They asked for legal clarity – the courts delivered. Now, we’re giving them a model they can put to work immediately, with urgency and with humanity, to resolve encampments and connect people to shelter, housing, and care. The time for inaction is over. There are no more excuses.”
