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Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
LA's mayor declared a homelessness emergency. Now, some at City Hall want to move past it
LOS ANGELES – It was the first and possibly the most dramatic act by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass after she took office: declaring a city emergency on homelessness. That move, backed by the City Council, gave Bass the power to award no-bid contracts to nonprofit groups and to rent hotels and motels for interim homeless housing. It also allowed Bass to waive regulations limiting the size and scale of certain types of affordable housing. Now, two and a half years into Bass' tenure, some on the council are looking to reassert their authority, by rescinding the homelessness emergency declaration. Councilmember Tim McOsker said he wants to return city government to its normal processes and procedures, as spelled out in the City Charter. Leases, contracts and other decisions related to homelessness would again be taken up at public meetings, with council members receiving testimony, taking written input and ultimately voting. "Let's come back to why these processes exist," McOsker said in an interview. "They exist so the public can be made aware of what we're doing with public dollars." McOsker said that, even if the declaration is rescinded, the city will need to address "the remainder of this crisis." For example, he said, the homeless services that the city currently provides could become permanent. The city could also push county agencies - which provide public health, mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment - to do more, McOsker said. Bass, for her part, pushed back on McOsker's efforts this week, saying through an aide that the emergency declaration "has resulted in homelessness decreasing for the first time in years, bucking statewide and nationwide trends." "The Mayor encourages Council to resist the urge of returning to failed policies that saw homelessness explode in Los Angeles," said Bass spokesperson Clara Karger. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, also known as LAHSA, reported last summer that homelessness declined by 2.2% in the city of L.A., the first decrease in several years. The number of unsheltered homeless people - those who live in interim housing, such as hotels and motels, but do not have a permanent residence - dropped by more than 10% to 29,275, down from 32,680. The push from McOsker and at least some of his colleagues comes at a pivotal time. Last month, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted to pull more than $300 million from LAHSA, the city-county agency that provides an array of services to the unhoused population. Meanwhile, the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, which has been battling the city in court over its response to the crisis, is pushing for a federal judge to place the city's homelessness initiatives into a receivership. Matthew Umhofer, an attorney for the alliance, said the city has "very little to show" for its emergency declaration in terms of progress on the streets. "It's our view that a state of emergency around homelessness is appropriate, but that the city is not engaged in conduct that reflects the seriousness of the crisis - and is not doing what it needs to do in order to solve the crisis," he said. Inside Safe, Bass' signature program to bring homeless people indoors, has moved 4,316 people into interim housing since it began in 2022, according to a LAHSA dashboard covering the period ending April 30. Of that total, nearly 1,040 went into permanent housing, while nearly 1,600 returned to homelessness. Council members voted this week to extend the mayor's homelessness emergency declaration for another 90 days, with McOsker casting the lone dissenting vote. However, they have also begun taking preliminary steps toward ending the declaration. Last week, while approving the city budget, the council created a new bureau within the Los Angeles Housing Department to monitor spending on homeless services. On Tuesday, the council asked city policy analysts to provide strategies to ensure that nonprofit homeless service providers are paid on a timely basis, "even if there is no longer a declared emergency." The following day, McOsker and Councilmember Nithya Raman - who heads the council's housing and homeless committee - co-authored a proposal asking city policy analysts to report back in 60 days with a plan addressing the "operational, legal and fiscal impacts" of terminating the emergency declaration. That proposal, also signed by Councilmembers John Lee and Ysabel Jurado, now heads to Raman's committee for deliberations. While some on the council have already voiced support for repealing the emergency declaration, others say they are open to the idea - but only if there is a seamless transition. "I want to make sure that if we do wind it down, that we do it responsibly," said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who represents the southwest San Fernando Valley. Blumenfield wants to protect Executive Directive 1, which was issued by Bass shortly after she declared the local emergency, by enshrining its provisions into city law. The directive lifts height limits and other planning restrictions for 100% affordable housing developments, which charge rents below market rates. Raman said the city must confront a number of issues stemming from the homelessness crisis, such as improving data collection. But she, too, voiced interest in exploring the end of the emergency declaration. "This is also an extremely important conversation, and it is one I am eager to have," she said. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
L.A.'s mayor declared a homelessness emergency. Now, some at City Hall want to move past it
It was the first and possibly the most dramatic act by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass after she took office: declaring a city emergency on homelessness. That move, backed by the City Council, gave Bass the power to award no-bid contracts to nonprofit groups and to rent hotels and motels for interim homeless housing. It also allowed Bass to waive regulations limiting the size and scale of certain types of affordable housing. Now, two and a half years into Bass' tenure, some on the council are looking to reassert their authority, by rescinding the homelessness emergency declaration. Councilmember Tim McOsker said he wants to return city government to its normal processes and procedures, as spelled out in the City Charter. Leases, contracts and other decisions related to homelessness would again be taken up at public meetings, with council members receiving testimony, taking written input and ultimately voting. "Let's come back to why these processes exist," McOsker said in an interview. "They exist so the public can be made aware of what we're doing with public dollars." McOsker said that, even if the declaration is rescinded, the city will need to address "the remainder of this crisis." For example, he said, the homeless services that the city currently provides could become permanent. The city could also push county agencies — which provide public health, mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment — to do more, McOsker said. Read more: An emergency declaration gives Karen Bass new powers. How will she use them? Bass, for her part, pushed back on McOsker's efforts this week, saying through an aide that the emergency declaration "has resulted in homelessness decreasing for the first time in years, bucking statewide and nationwide trends." "The Mayor encourages Council to resist the urge of returning to failed policies that saw homelessness explode in Los Angeles," said Bass spokesperson Clara Karger. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, also known as LAHSA, reported last summer that homelessness declined by 2.2% in the city of L.A., the first decrease in several years. The number of unsheltered homeless people — those who live in interim housing, such as hotels and motels, but do not have a permanent residence — dropped by more than 10% to 29,275, down from 32,680. The push from McOsker and at least some of his colleagues comes at a pivotal time. Last month, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted to pull more than $300 million from LAHSA, the city-county agency that provides an array of services to the unhoused population. Meanwhile, the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, which has been battling the city in court over its response to the crisis, is pushing for a federal judge to place the city's homelessness initiatives into a receivership. Matthew Umhofer, an attorney for the alliance, said the city has "very little to show" for its emergency declaration in terms of progress on the streets. "It's our view that a state of emergency around homelessness is appropriate, but that the city is not engaged in conduct that reflects the seriousness of the crisis — and is not doing what it needs to do in order to solve the crisis," he said. Inside Safe, Bass' signature program to bring homeless people indoors, has moved 4,316 people into interim housing since it began in 2022, according to a LAHSA dashboard covering the period ending April 30. Of that total, nearly 1,040 went into permanent housing, while nearly 1,600 returned to homelessness. Read more: County supervisors create new homeless agency, despite warnings from L.A. mayor Council members voted this week to extend the mayor's homelessness emergency declaration for another 90 days, with McOsker casting the lone dissenting vote. However, they have also begun taking preliminary steps toward ending the declaration. Last week, while approving the city budget, the council created a new bureau within the Los Angeles Housing Department to monitor spending on homeless services. On Tuesday, the council asked city policy analysts to provide strategies to ensure that nonprofit homeless service providers are paid on a timely basis, "even if there is no longer a declared emergency." The following day, McOsker and Councilmember Nithya Raman — who heads the council's housing and homeless committee — co-authored a proposal asking city policy analysts to report back in 60 days with a plan addressing the "operational, legal and fiscal impacts" of terminating the emergency declaration. That proposal, also signed by Councilmembers John Lee and Ysabel Jurado, now heads to Raman's committee for deliberations. While some on the council have already voiced support for repealing the emergency declaration, others say they are open to the idea — but only if there is a seamless transition. "I want to make sure that if we do wind it down, that we do it responsibly," said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who represents the southwest San Fernando Valley. Blumenfield wants to protect Executive Directive 1, which was issued by Bass shortly after she declared the local emergency, by enshrining its provisions into city law. The directive lifts height limits and other planning restrictions for 100% affordable housing developments, which charge rents below market rates. Raman said the city must confront a number of issues stemming from the homelessness crisis, such as improving data collection. But she, too, voiced interest in exploring the end of the emergency declaration. "This is also an extremely important conversation, and it is one I am eager to have," she said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
L.A.'s mayor declared a homelessness emergency. Now, some at City Hall want to move past it
It was the first and possibly the most dramatic act by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass after she took office: declaring a city emergency on homelessness. That move, backed by the City Council, gave Bass the power to award no-bid contracts to nonprofit groups and to rent hotels and motels for interim homeless housing. It also allowed Bass to waive regulations limiting the size and scale of certain types of affordable housing. Now, two and a half years into Bass' tenure, some on the council are looking to reassert their authority, by rescinding the homelessness emergency declaration. Councilmember Tim McOsker said he wants to return city government to its normal processes and procedures, as spelled out in the City Charter. Leases, contracts and other decisions related to homelessness would again be taken up at public meetings, with council members receiving testimony, taking written input and ultimately voting. 'Let's come back to why these processes exist,' McOsker said in an interview. 'They exist so the public can be made aware of what we're doing with public dollars.' McOsker said that, even if the declaration is rescinded, the city will need to address 'the remainder of this crisis.' For example, he said, the homeless services that the city currently provides could become permanent. The city could also push county agencies — which provide public health, mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment — to do more, McOsker said. Bass, for her part, pushed back on McOsker's efforts this week, saying through an aide that the emergency declaration 'has resulted in homelessness decreasing for the first time in years, bucking statewide and nationwide trends.' 'The Mayor encourages Council to resist the urge of returning to failed policies that saw homelessness explode in Los Angeles,' said Bass spokesperson Clara Karger. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, also known as LAHSA, reported last summer that homelessness declined by 2.2% in the city of L.A., the first decrease in several years. The number of unsheltered homeless people — those who live in interim housing, such as hotels and motels, but do not have a permanent residence — dropped by more than 10% to 29,275, down from 32,680. The push from McOsker and at least some of his colleagues comes at a pivotal time. Last month, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted to pull more than $300 million from LAHSA, the city-county agency that provides an array of services to the unhoused population. Meanwhile, the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, which has been battling the city in court over its response to the crisis, is pushing for a federal judge to place the city's homelessness initiatives into a receivership. Matthew Umhofer, an attorney for the alliance, said the city has 'very little to show' for its emergency declaration in terms of progress on the streets. 'It's our view that a state of emergency around homelessness is appropriate, but that the city is not engaged in conduct that reflects the seriousness of the crisis — and is not doing what it needs to do in order to solve the crisis,' he said. Inside Safe, Bass' signature program to bring homeless people indoors, has moved 4,316 people into interim housing since it began in 2022, according to a LAHSA dashboard covering the period ending April 30. Of that total, nearly 1,040 went into permanent housing, while nearly 1,600 returned to homelessness. Council members voted this week to extend the mayor's homelessness emergency declaration for another 90 days, with McOsker casting the lone dissenting vote. However, they have also begun taking preliminary steps toward ending the declaration. Last week, while approving the city budget, the council created a new bureau within the Los Angeles Housing Department to monitor spending on homeless services. On Tuesday, the council asked city policy analysts to provide strategies to ensure that nonprofit homeless service providers are paid on a timely basis, 'even if there is no longer a declared emergency.' The following day, McOsker and Councilmember Nithya Raman — who heads the council's housing and homeless committee — co-authored a proposal asking city policy analysts to report back in 60 days with a plan addressing the 'operational, legal and fiscal impacts' of terminating the emergency declaration. That proposal, also signed by Councilmembers John Lee and Ysabel Jurado, now heads to Raman's committee for deliberations. While some on the council have already voiced support for repealing the emergency declaration, others say they are open to the idea — but only if there is a seamless transition. 'I want to make sure that if we do wind it down, that we do it responsibly,' said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who represents the southwest San Fernando Valley. Blumenfield wants to protect Executive Directive 1, which was issued by Bass shortly after she declared the local emergency, by enshrining its provisions into city law. The directive lifts height limits and other planning restrictions for 100% affordable housing developments, which charge rents below market rates. Raman said the city must confront a number of issues stemming from the homelessness crisis, such as improving data collection. But she, too, voiced interest in exploring the end of the emergency declaration. 'This is also an extremely important conversation, and it is one I am eager to have,' she said.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LA County is forming a new $1B homelessness department — despite warnings of a ‘massive disruption'
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously late on April 1 to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from the area's homeless services agency. In an effort to banish homelessness, Los Angeles County has been funneling some of its tax revenue to one of its largest agencies, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how The LA Times recently reported that the board will no longer be funding more than $300 million to the agency, and instead will be moving it to a new county agency, a transition that will take place over the next 16 months. The shift, however, doesn't go without criticism. 'What I don't understand is the rush of the proposed strategy of moving all services with no real plan in place,' Nathaniel VerGow, deputy chief programs officer at LAHSA told the board. 'A timeline is not a plan.' Created in 1993, LAHSA aimed to help address homelessness in the area, and is the lead agency in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care program that's funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program offers housing, shelter and other related services for the homeless through its 100 partner agencies. In the past several months, LAHSA has faced harsh criticism because of several audits showing it didn't track tens of millions of dollars in spending for its programs and services, according to CBS News. A recent lawsuit against the city and county of LA promoted one of the most recent audits released, which showed in detail the lack of oversight by LAHSA. Va Lecia Adams Kellum, chief executive of LAHSA, ended up resigning several days after the vote took place, according to LAist. After telling LAist that she followed protocols, the publication found that she signed a deal that paid $2.1 million from taxpayer money to a nonprofit where her husband worked as senior leadership. The ruling was intended to offer more accountability and oversight over how taxpayer funds are used to help the homeless. As a result, the funding will be transferred to a new county homeless agency that would receive the over $300 million funding from the Measure A sales tax by July 2026. By January 1, 2026, around 700 county employees will be transferred to work at the new agency. And by July 2026, the final few hundred employees from LAHSA will also most likely join. Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP The recent ruling means the future of LAHSA could be rocky. In an official statement, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said, 'Our Board is taking full responsibility for the tax dollars we collect and distribute, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and real results for those we serve.' However, the decision has been met with major concern. LA Mayor Karen Bass said the moving of taxpayer dollars could create more bureaucracy and not actually help the unhoused, she wrote in a letter sent to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors before the vote. 'Dismantling LAHSA will deprive the City of Los Angeles of essential resources, including recent voter-approved Measure A funding, and would severely stunt the City's ability to oversee existing programs that provide holistic solutions to individuals with complex needs,' the letter stated. LA council members also criticized the move, agreeing with the mayor. 'I believe strongly (Measure A) voters may not have supported it if they knew these dollars would be moved into the county without input and partnership from the city,' City Councilmember Nithya Raman said at the meeting where the vote took place. Perhaps, the ruling will lead to more oversight, transparency and help for the unhoused, despite LAHSA's unknown future. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LA Mayor Bass to deliver State of the City address Monday
The Brief Mayor Karen Bass will deliver her speech focusing on Los Angeles' recovery from January's wildfires. She will also address a nearly $1 billion budget deficit due to overspending and lower tax revenues, which could lead to layoffs. Mayor Bass is likely to address immigration issues amid the Trump administration's crackdown on "sanctuary cities. LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is set to deliver her State of the City address, focusing on Los Angeles' recovery from wildfires, budget challenges, and reshaping city governance. Key topics include the city's deficit, homeless crisis, public safety, and federal policies impacting local affairs. What we know Mayor Bass will speak at City Hall around mid-day, addressing the city's rebuilding efforts in Pacific Palisades after January's wildfires. SUGGESTED: CA homeless crisis: DOJ launches task force to investigate misuse of homelessness funding She will outline plans to tackle a nearly $1 billion deficit caused by overspending and lower tax revenues. City officials have warned that the deficit could lead to thousands of layoffs and other consequences in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year. With a recent decision to move funding away from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) at both the city and county level, Bass and the City Council may also consider adjusting their approach to resolve the homelessness crisis. SUGGESTED: LA County defunds LA Homeless Services Authority, creates its own department Immigration is also likely to be addressed, as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on "sanctuary cities" and threatens to pull related funding. Bass may also touch on other federal policies and their potential impact on the city's economy, travel and tourism industries. What we don't know An exact time was not released. The Source Information for this story is from the office of LA Mayor Karen Bass. City News Service contributed.
