Councilwoman Traci Park Introduces Motion Supporting Governor Newsom's Model Ordinance to Address Homeless Encampments

LOS ANGELES – As the homelessness crisis continues to overwhelm Los Angeles neighborhoods and strain public services, Councilwoman Traci Park introduced a resolution this week urging the City of Los Angeles to follow Governor Gavin Newsom's model ordinance aimed at clearing encampments from sidewalks, parks, and other public spaces by building out on the city’s existing ordinances and enforcing the laws on the books. Councilmembers John Lee and Imelda Padilla seconded the resolution.

"For years, we've poured billions of dollars into homelessness programs with marginal improvements at best," said Councilmember Park. "We cannot keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. Our city's response under the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has been slow, fragmented, mismanaged, and frankly ineffective. We need practical tools and the political will to use them."

The Governor's model ordinance provides a legal framework for cities to protect public spaces while still offering help to those in need. It ensures notice is given before encampments are removed and helps prevent them from immediately returning, giving neighborhoods a real opportunity to recover.

“Governor Newsom’s directive is a welcome and much-needed step toward creating statewide consistency in how we address homelessness. Clear, uniform guidelines help ensure that no neighborhood bears an unfair burden while others operate under different standards. With so many public dollars being spent, our communities deserve meaningful outcomes, especially when outreach has been done and services have been offered. This coordinated approach can help prevent the cycle of displacement from community to community, and I hope it encourages more of my colleagues to adopt balanced, results-driven strategies to ensure we’re all playing by the same rules,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez.

Councilmember Park has made restoring essential services, public safety, and accountability in homelessness policy central to her work on the City Council. This resolution comes at a time when Angelenos across the city are calling for common-sense solutions and urgent action, particularly in the wake of a recent audit of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which found billions of dollars in homelessness spending unaccounted for and serious lapses in oversight.

Compounding the crisis, the County Jo of Los Angeles recently voted to withdraw nearly $350 million in annual funding from LAHSA, citing mismanagement and lack of accountability. This move exacerbates the need for the City of Los Angeles to enter into new agreements with the County of Los Angeles for the provision of mental health services and substance abuse treatment. The City continues to face the challenge of addressing these critical needs and calls on LA County to provide the necessary resources.

The resolution now heads to the City Council's Housing and Homelessness Committee, chaired by Councilmember Nithya Raman, for further consideration.

"This is a test of whether we're serious about addressing this crisis," said Park. "The public is watching. It's time to act.”