Saying that there are no more excuses, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday released a model ordinance for local municipalities to address homeless encampments, along with announcing new funding for treatment and housing.
Newsom discussed the ordinance at a news conference Monday annoucing a “statewide funding announcement” regarding California’s mental health and homelessess issues.
At the news conference, the governor called out cities and counties to do their part in in addressing encampments., saying the state is providing resources.
“It is time to disabuse ourselves that you can continue with the same talking points of 5 to 10, 15 years ago,” Newsom said. “It is time to take back the streets, it is time to take back the sidewalks it is time to take these encampments and provide alternatives, and the state is giving you more resources than ever.”
According to the text of the model ordinance, policies towards encampments must reflect certain basic principles, including that no person should face criminal prosecution for sleeping outside “when they have nowhere else to go”, that encampment policies must prioritize shelter and services and that policies “must not unduly limit local authority to clear encampments.”
“There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets,” Newsom said in a statement ahead of Monday’s announcement.
Many California cities have already been implementing stiffer policies against homeless encampments since the Supreme Court ruling in favor of anti-camping ordinances.
Newsom cited that Supreme Court ruling, along with a 2024 executive order from his office, as part of his call on cities to act.
“The time for inaction is over. There are no more excuses,” Newsom stated.
The effort is also being backed by $3.3 billion in new Prop 1 funding, according to the governor’s office.
Newsom’s focus on the homelessness issue comes as he is both approaching the end of his second and final term in the California governor’s office and as speculation builds about his political future.