SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to release about $1 billion in homelessness funding, reversing a decision to put that spending on pause.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
This comes after Newsom met with local leaders throughout the state last week to figure out better solutions to combatting the homelessness crisis.
The plans previously submitted by local leaders, over 70 of them, were deemed not aggressive enough initially by the governor.
But after meeting with about 100 mayors and local officials, there seems to be more optimism about coordination efforts.
"We all agree without exception that everyone is very frustrated," said Alameda County Board of Supervisors President Keith Carson. "And there are attempts to address this very complex issue."
Previously it was reported by the governor’s office that the combined 70-plus plans would only impact homelessness in the state, from its baseline in 2019 to 2024, by about 2%.
While cities and counties are now better aligned, the root causes and solutions for homelessness in each area are not the same.
"Each county and city, as well as the state, have different constitutional responsibilities, which has funding tied to it," he said.
"There's not a one-stop center to address homelessness, it's all done in these silos," said Carson.
Some leaders have also voiced concern about the concept of one-time funding, but there could be headwinds on the horizon with a potential $25 billion deficit in the state next year.
"We don't want to take another 10 years or five years to resolve it," said Carson.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
