California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order Thursday directing state agencies to remove homeless encampments on state lands. It is up to local officials whether they choose to remove the encampments. The move follows a landmark Supreme Court decision permitting the enforcement of public sleeping bans.
Supreme Court Ruling
Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that ordinances banning sleeping outside in public were lawful and could be enforced by state and local officials.
Homeless Population in California
California has one-third of the entire homeless population in the country. Despite consistent efforts to clean up the public spaces, the problem persists. There are thousands of tent and makeshift encampments across California and many other states, lining freeways, shopping centers, public parks, and green spaces.
Recent Supreme Court Decision
The recent Supreme Court decision was the first in decades to address the recourse citizens and local governments have for violations of public ordinances prohibiting sleeping outside.
Balancing Justice and Compassion
It is undoubtedly a tough topic to handle with justice and compassion, as many who live in makeshift shelters do not have somewhere else to live. On the other hand, encampments are a public health and safety hazard, and many in a community do not like to see others living without the basic dignity of plumbing and a roof over their heads.
The Executive Order
The Order directs state parks and the Department of Transportation to remove encampments that pose a safety risk, including along waterways. It also requires state-level officials to provide advance notice to vacate and store individuals’ belongings for at least 60 days while the state agencies connect the impacted population with public services.
Local Government Measures
While not required, the Executive Order urges cities and counties to follow similar measures to address the encampments on public land.
Local vs. State Responsibility
As Governor, Newsom will not require local cities and counties to remove the encampments. If his Administration chooses, it can pressure the lower governments to do so by attaching state funds to the action.
State Expenditures on Homelessness
Newsom stated that during his time in office, the state had spent $24 billion trying to provide housing for the homeless and clean and maintain public health and safety by cleaning the streets and public spaces impacted by the vast homeless population.
Accountability and Effectiveness
Voters and fiscal watchdogs recently pointed out that state Administrators had yet to track whether the $24 billion outlays had moved the needle on the problem or improved the situation.
Recent Ballot Measure
A ballot measure in California passed with a slim margin earlier in 2024 to allow the state to spend $6.4 billion on building 4,350 housing units.
Criticism of State Efforts
Significant criticism exists on this issue, as the state cannot confirm whether the previous public expenditures were effective in resolving some of the homelessness issues.
Political Timing
The timing of the Executive Order is strategic, as the recent bright spotlight on Presidential candidate Kamala Harris also illuminates the politics of her home state, California.
Political Criticism
Republicans have taken to pointing out the problems in the Golden State as they criticize Harris, who was formerly a California Senator, Attorney General, and District Attorney before serving as President Biden’s Vice President for four years.
Newsom’s Political Interests
Newsom also knows cleaning up his state is in his interest if he has a present or future interest in national politics, as it seems he does.
