Introduction to the Homelessness Emergency Declaration

The declaration of a city emergency on homelessness by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was a significant move, granting her the power to award no-bid contracts and rent hotels and motels for interim housing. This decision, supported by the City Council, also allowed for the waiver of regulations limiting the size and scale of certain types of affordable housing.

Background on the Declaration

Two and a half years into Bass’ tenure, some council members are now looking to reassert their authority by rescinding the homelessness emergency declaration. Councilmember Tim McOsker expressed the need to return to the city’s normal processes and procedures as outlined in the City Charter. This would mean that leases, contracts, and decisions related to homelessness would again be discussed in public meetings, with council members receiving testimony and voting.

Reasons for Rescinding the Declaration

McOsker emphasized the importance of transparency and public awareness in the use of public dollars. He also noted that even if the declaration is rescinded, the city will still need to address the ongoing crisis. This could involve making current homeless services permanent and pushing county agencies to provide more support in areas such as public health, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment.

Response from the Mayor

Mayor Bass pushed back against McOsker’s efforts, stating through an aide that the emergency declaration has led to a decrease in homelessness for the first time in years. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported a 2.2% decline in homelessness in the city, with a significant drop in the number of unsheltered homeless people.

Current Challenges and Initiatives

The push to rescind the emergency declaration comes at a pivotal time, with the L.A. County Board of Supervisors voting to pull over $300 million from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Additionally, the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights is seeking a federal judge to place the city’s homelessness initiatives into a receivership, citing a lack of progress on the streets.

Inside Safe Program

The Inside Safe program, launched by Mayor Bass, has moved over 4,300 people into interim housing since 2022. However, nearly 1,600 of those individuals have returned to homelessness, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the program.

Steps Towards Rescinding the Declaration

The City Council has begun taking steps towards ending the emergency declaration, including extending it for another 90 days while also exploring strategies for a seamless transition. Council members have proposed creating a new bureau within the Los Angeles Housing Department to monitor spending on homeless services and ensuring that nonprofit providers are paid on a timely basis even without the declaration.

Openness to Repeal

Some council members have expressed openness to repealing the emergency declaration, provided there is a responsible transition plan in place. This includes protecting Executive Directive 1, which lifts height limits and planning restrictions for 100% affordable housing developments.

Conclusion

The debate over the homelessness emergency declaration in Los Angeles reflects the complexity and challenges of addressing this crisis. As the city moves forward, it is essential to balance the need for swift action with the importance of transparency, public input, and effective use of resources. The path ahead will require careful consideration of the operational, legal, and fiscal impacts of terminating the emergency declaration and a commitment to finding sustainable solutions to homelessness.

FAQs

• Q: What is the homelessness emergency declaration in Los Angeles?
  A: The declaration, made by Mayor Karen Bass, grants the power to award no-bid contracts and rent hotels for interim housing, among other measures, to address the homelessness crisis.
• Q: Why are some council members pushing to rescind the declaration?
  A: They aim to return to the city’s normal processes and procedures, ensuring transparency and public input in the use of public dollars for homelessness services.
• Q: What are the current challenges in addressing homelessness in Los Angeles?
  A: Challenges include the recent pull of funds from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, legal battles over the city’s response, and the need for more effective and sustainable solutions.
• Q: What is the Inside Safe program, and what are its outcomes?
  A: The Inside Safe program aims to bring homeless people indoors. Since 2022, it has moved over 4,300 people into interim housing, but nearly 1,600 have returned to homelessness.
• Q: What steps is the City Council taking towards potentially rescinding the emergency declaration?
  A: The council is exploring strategies for a seamless transition, including monitoring spending and ensuring timely payments to nonprofit service providers, and has proposed a plan to address the impacts of terminating the declaration.