Introduction to Measure A Oversight Panels

The authors of the Measure A half-cent homelessness sales tax that went into effect April 1 infused it with broad goals such as reducing the number of people who become homeless each year and increasing the number leaving encampments. To give the public tools to measure its success — or failure — they included a process to add concrete targets and time lines after county voters approved the measure in November.

Creating a Framework for Success

That has now been completed by the Leadership Table for Regional Homeless Alignment, a panel of service providers, experts and formerly homeless people created by the county Board of Supervisors. Research by the California Policy Lab at UCLA combined data from several county agencies that track service provider contacts with homeless people. From that data, the Policy Lab drew statistics that gave the clearest picture yet of some basic facts about homelessness and their trends over recent years.

Understanding Homelessness Trends

It found, for example, that more than 60,000 new people entered the homelessness system in 2024 — most exited on their own — and that 41% of homeless people reported having either a serious mental illness, a substance use disorder or both. Those statistics became the baselines. The Leadership table then set five-year targets for improvement. In contrast to the sweeping language of ending homelessness that led to disillusionment over previous tax measures, it adopted moderate goals that it considered attainable. For example, reducing the number of unsheltered people by 30%.

Setting Five-Year Goals

Those targets were approved by the Executive Committee for Regional Homeless Alignment, a panel of elected officials from the county and cities. The chart below shows each goal and the metrics associated with it.

Metrics for Evaluation

The metrics include:

• Reducing the number of unsheltered people by 30%
• Increasing the number of people leaving encampments
• Decreasing the number of people who become homeless each year

Implementation and Oversight

The Leadership Table and the Executive Committee will work together to ensure that these goals are met. They will track the progress and adjust the strategies as needed.

Role of the Community

The community will also play a crucial role in the implementation of these goals. Service providers, experts, and formerly homeless people will work together to provide support and services to those in need.

Collaboration and Partnership

Collaboration and partnership between different agencies and organizations will be key to the success of these goals. By working together, they can provide a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness.

Challenges and Opportunities

There will be challenges along the way, but there will also be opportunities for growth and improvement. The Leadership Table and the Executive Committee will work to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.

Conclusion

The Measure A oversight panels have set five-year goals with metrics to evaluate their success. These goals are moderate and attainable, and they provide a clear direction for addressing homelessness in the county. With the collaboration and partnership of different agencies and organizations, it is possible to make a significant impact and improve the lives of those affected by homelessness.

FAQs

Q: What are the goals of the Measure A oversight panels?
A: The goals include reducing the number of unsheltered people by 30%, increasing the number of people leaving encampments, and decreasing the number of people who become homeless each year.
Q: How will the progress be tracked?
A: The Leadership Table and the Executive Committee will track the progress and adjust the strategies as needed.
Q: What is the role of the community in the implementation of these goals?
A: The community will play a crucial role in the implementation of these goals by providing support and services to those in need.
Q: What are the challenges and opportunities in addressing homelessness?
A: There will be challenges along the way, but there will also be opportunities for growth and improvement. The Leadership Table and the Executive Committee will work to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.