Governor Newsom Releases New Ordinance Pushing Cities to Remove More Homeless Encampments

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a new model ordinance on homeless encampments, urging cities across the state to begin removing encampments in a "humane" way. The ordinance aims to balance public health and safety with compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Key Principles of the New Ordinance

• No person should face criminal punishment for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go.
• Encampment policies must prioritize shelter and services and ensure that people experiencing homelessness are treated with respect.
• Policies must not unduly limit local authority to clear encampments, while also protecting the health and safety of residents and public spaces.

The ordinance follows Governor Newsom's 2024 executive order, which urged all local jurisdictions to quickly address encampments and use state and local funding to connect people experiencing homelessness with care and support. The model ordinance aims to provide local governments with a framework for addressing homeless encampments in a humane and effective way.

"There's nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets," said Governor Newsom. "Local leaders asked for resources — we delivered the largest state investment in history. They asked for legal clarity — the courts delivered. Now, we're giving them a model they can put to work immediately, with urgency and with humanity, to resolve encampments and connect people to shelter, housing, and care."

Controversy Surrounds the New Ordinance

The new ordinance has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it does not go far enough in addressing homelessness. Others have raised concerns about the lack of oversight and transparency in the use of state funding for homeless initiatives.

Additionally, there are questions about the effectiveness of the approach, with many experts suggesting that state assistance to get jobs and permanent shelter is key to reducing homelessness.

Background on Governor Newsom's Approach to Homelessness

Governor Newsom has taken a range of steps to address homelessness in California, including spending $24 billion on homeless endeavors between 2019 and 2024. However, some critics have argued that his approach has been insufficient and that more needs to be done to address the root causes of homelessness.

Call to Action: Learn More About the New Ordinance

To learn more about the new ordinance and its implications for local governments, visit the California Globe website at [https://californiaglobe.com/fr/gov-newsom-releases-new-ordinance-pushing-cities-to-remove-more-homeless-encampments/](https://californiaglobe.com/fr/gov-newsom-releases-new-ordinance-pushing-cities-to-remove-more-homeless-encampments/).

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