California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Thursday directing state agencies to begin dismantling homeless encampments on state property and urging local governments to take similar actions. This order follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows local authorities greater leeway to enforce bans on public camping. The ruling, which came in the case City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, supports the enforcement of regulations against sleeping in public spaces, even in the absence of sufficient shelter options.
The executive order, which aims to address encampments deemed unsafe, calls for the adoption of humane and dignified policies. Newsom stated that the order reflects the need for urgent action and highlighted the state’s commitment to also providing housing and services to affected individuals. Since taking office, Newsom has invested approximately $24 billion into homelessness efforts and has reported helping more than 165,000 people find housing over the past two fiscal years.
However, the order has drawn criticism from homeless advocates and some local officials. Critics argue that the Supreme Court’s decision and Newsom’s order could lead to increased fines and arrests without adequate shelter options, exacerbating the plight of the homeless rather than providing effective solutions. Chris Herring, an assistant professor at UCLA, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have expressed concerns that the focus on clearing encampments may not address the underlying causes of homelessness.
In contrast, some local officials, like San Francisco Mayor London Breed, have endorsed Newsom’s approach, citing ongoing efforts to clear encampments and reduce the number of people living on the streets. San Francisco has reported a five-year low in street tent counts, attributing this to proactive measures and increased investment in housing and services.
The Supreme Court ruling and Newsom’s executive order reflect the ongoing debate over the best approach to addressing homelessness, with differing views on whether increased enforcement or more comprehensive support measures are needed.
Supportive of Newsom’s Order:
Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order is seen as a strong response to the homelessness crisis, especially in light of a recent Supreme Court decision that allows greater authority to remove homeless people from public spaces. Supporters, including Newsom and some local officials like San Francisco Mayor London Breed, argue that the order provides necessary guidance and urgency to address dangerous encampments and improve safety. They view the order as a proactive measure to clear unsafe encampments while also committing to provide housing and services
Critical of Newsom’s Order:
Critics, including homeless advocates and some local officials, argue that the executive order might exacerbate the situation rather than resolve it. They express concerns that the ruling and subsequent actions could criminalize homelessness, leading to increased fines and potential arrests without adequate shelter options. Critics like Chris Herring and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass argue that moving people without providing sufficient housing or support merely shifts the problem and does not address the root causes of homelessness
Impact of the Supreme Court Ruling:
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which permits local governments to enforce bans on sleeping in public spaces, has influenced the timing and nature of Newsom’s order. While the ruling is seen by some as providing clarity and authority for local officials, others argue that it could lead to negative consequences for homeless individuals. The ruling has sparked debate about whether the increased authority to clear encampments will lead to meaningful solutions or merely reinforce existing issues.