California Governor Gavin Newsom is now reportedly urging local governments to take action against homeless encampments after his administration has spent billions addressing the state’s homelessness crisis.
On May 12, Newsom called for effectively banning encampments on sidewalks and public areas, stating, “the time for inaction is over.”
His proposed model ordinance includes measures to prohibit persistent camping and requires local officials to notify individuals and offer shelter before clearing encampments.
Newsom emphasized that allowing people to live on the streets is not compassionate, asserting that local leaders have received unprecedented resources.
Since he took office in 2019, California has allocated approximately $24 billion to combat homelessness.
Despite these efforts, the state reported over 187,000 homeless individuals in 2024, representing nearly half of the nation’s total homeless population, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
The crisis has worsened in recent years, prompting many residents to leave California, often citing the high cost of living as a primary reason.
In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that cities can enforce bans on sleeping or camping on public property without violating the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.
Newsom’s push comes as cities face increasing pressure to manage the homelessness crisis more effectively.
His administration aims to provide a framework for local governments to follow, combining urgency with humane treatment of individuals experiencing homelessness.
As California grapples with this ongoing issue, Newsom’s call for action reflects a growing recognition of the need for immediate and coordinated responses to the crisis.
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