California Governor Gavin Newsom is intensifying his approach towards cities and counties that are not effectively addressing homelessness, despite the state having spent a whopping $24 billion on homelessness programs over the past five years. This move comes in the wake of a state audit revealing that the California government has failed to maintain consistent records on the costs and outcomes of these programs, casting doubt on the transparency and accountability of such significant financial expenditures.
Newsom’s strategy includes an expansion of the state’s housing enforcement unit to also oversee homelessness initiatives, signaling a tougher stance on local governments. This extension is an effort to ensure that cities and counties not only plan but also execute housing solutions that cater specifically to their lowest-income residents. The administration has also indicated that local governments could face consequences such as civil penalties or loss of funding if they fail to meet their obligations, such as approving shelters and funding outreach programs.
The governor’s office is setting stricter conditions for future grants, demanding rigorous plans from cities and counties to move people out of homeless encampments. This is a response to past issues where funds were not utilized effectively, with Newsom emphasizing, perhaps a bit too late, that he is no longer interested in “funding failure.” Passing the blame to local governments, Newsom claims that locally mismanaged programs “shouldn’t get another penny.”
These measures come at a time of increasing public dissatisfaction and frustration with the growing homelessness crisis in California. Despite the enormous sums allocated, Newsom’s programs have failed as the number of homeless individuals has actually continued to rise, with a 6% increase last year alone. The state’s efforts, including a $6.4 billion bond intended as a cornerstone of Newsom’s strategy, have faced skepticism from voters concerned about the effectiveness of state spending on this persistent issue. Taxpayers have earned a more transparent plan of attack- with billions spent already, we deserve to see improvements in numbers not growth in California’s homeless population.
