California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on cities to ban homeless encampments from public spaces. This announcement, made on Monday, comes as part of a larger strategy to address homelessness in the state. Newsom is leveraging billions in state funding to encourage cities to adopt this guidance.
Under this new proposal, people would not be allowed to set up tents on public property, which includes sidewalks, parks, and bike paths. Additionally, individuals would be prohibited from sleeping on the streets with sleeping bags or blankets for more than three consecutive days. Newsom emphasized that allowing people to live on the streets is not compassionate. He stated, “There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets.”
This shift in policy follows a Supreme Court ruling last year that upheld an Oregon law banning camping on public property. Newsom’s new approach marks a significant change in how he plans to tackle homelessness. He believes this model will help local leaders take immediate action to clear encampments and connect people with shelter and services.
Importantly, Newsom’s guidance also includes protections for those affected. It specifies that no one should face criminal penalties for sleeping outside if they have no other options. City officials are required to make reasonable efforts to provide shelter and services to those living in encampments.
While Newsom cannot force cities to implement this ban, he has pledged around $3.3 billion in state funding to those that do. This funding is part of a broader effort to reshape California’s urban landscape and address homelessness effectively. Voters recently backed a measure that mandates counties to allocate funds for housing and drug treatment programs, further supporting this initiative.
Despite these efforts, California continues to struggle with homelessness. A recent audit revealed that the state has spent $24 billion on homelessness since 2019, yet the homeless population has reached a record high of 187,000. This has led to criticism from some progressive groups, who argue that banning encampments will not solve the housing crisis. Current Affairs magazine criticized Newsom, stating, “Gavin Newsom isn’t fighting homelessness, he’s fighting homeless people.”
As Newsom positions himself for a potential run in the 2028 presidential race, his approach to homelessness will likely remain a contentious issue among voters and political analysts alike.