SACRAMENTO — In a significant move to combat the nationwide homelessness crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a comprehensive model ordinance aimed at addressing unhealthy and dangerous encampments. This initiative urges every local government across California to adopt and implement effective policies without delay, fortified by billions in state funding and the legal authority affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
The model ordinance builds upon Governor Newsom's 2024 executive order, which prompted local jurisdictions to swiftly tackle encampments while utilizing state and local funding to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential care and support services. This announcement coincides with the release of $3.3 billion in voter-approved Proposition 1 funding, earmarked for communities statewide to enhance behavioral health housing and treatment options for California's most vulnerable populations.
Governor Newsom has consistently championed the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness, establishing new resources to empower local governments in their outreach and support efforts. To date, the Newsom administration has allocated over $27 billion to combat homelessness, implementing stringent accountability measures and tools to ensure that every community contributes effectively to this pressing issue.
Today, Governor Newsom continues this support by providing local communities with a model ordinance designed to help local governments establish clear rules regarding encampments and develop effective enforcement procedures that prioritize notice, shelter, and services for those affected.
Encampments present significant public safety challenges, exposing individuals to heightened risks of sexual violence, criminal activity, property damage, and unsanitary living conditions. The state’s model ordinance serves as a foundational guideline for communities, allowing jurisdictions to tailor their own policies based on local needs.
This ordinance is built on a proven framework that has already led to the clearance of over 16,000 encampments and the removal of more than 311,873 cubic yards of waste and debris since July 2021. These achievements highlight the efficacy and scalability of the approach, providing jurisdictions with a sound, adoptable framework to address encampments with urgency and dignity.
The model ordinance includes essential provisions that can be adjusted to meet local requirements. These include:
A prohibition on persistent camping in a single location A prohibition on encampments obstructing free passage on sidewalks A requirement for local officials to provide notice and make reasonable efforts to identify and offer shelter before clearing an encampmentThis balanced approach ensures local communities address and prevent encampments with both compassion and care, reflecting the guidelines established following the Governor’s Executive Order. It mandates at least 48 hours’ notice, outreach to local service providers, and proper storage of personal items during encampment clearances.
Californians can now monitor their community’s progress by visiting accountability.ca.gov, a platform that aggregates thousands of locally reported data points. This tool provides an accurate overview of local efforts to tackle homelessness, enhance housing availability, and strengthen behavioral health support systems. It allows residents to assess the progress of their local governments in addressing these critical issues and understand the state funding provided to communities.
The Newsom Administration is making notable strides in reversing decades of inaction regarding homelessness. From 2014 to 2019, California saw an increase of approximately 37,000 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, which significantly exceeded the increase observed during the Newsom Administration. While many states across the nation are grappling with escalating homeless populations, California has successfully slowed the growth of homelessness, particularly among veterans and youth, outperforming all other states.
Despite a nationwide increase in homelessness of over 18% in 2024, California has managed to restrict the statewide increase to just 3%, a rate lower than that of 40 other states. Furthermore, California has achieved one of the most significant reductions in unsheltered homelessness, maintaining it at just 0.45%, while nationwide rates soared by nearly 7%. Notably, California also recorded the largest decrease in veteran homelessness nationwide last year.
