California Governor Gavin Newsom has directed state officials to remove homeless encampments across the state following a recent Supreme Court ruling. As California continues to grapple with one of the highest homelessness rates in the country, the Court’s decision in June affirmed that local governments have the right to ban public camping and impose fines on violators, clearing a legal path for stricter measures on encampments.
In an executive order announced on Thursday, Newsom advised cities to enforce the removal of encampments from public property while simultaneously providing social services and housing alternatives for the displaced individuals, reports National Review. The order, given by liberal Democrat Newsom, is a huge shift from the progressive state governments actions over the last decade.
“The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets,” Newsom said in a statement. “There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.”
Until the Supreme Court’s decision, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had restricted local governments from banning public camping if cities lacked sufficient shelter beds. This restriction had been a significant barrier for cities attempting to address the growing issue of homelessness. In 2023, California was estimated to have 180,000 people experiencing homelessness, a number that has continued to climb despite various efforts to mitigate the crisis.
Newsom’s executive order calls for a balanced approach, emphasizing both enforcement and support. Cities are encouraged to crack down on encampments while also providing necessary social services and housing solutions to those affected.
While the order signals a tough stance on encampments, it also claims to ensure that affected individuals are not simply displaced without assistance by providing housing alternatives and social services.
Critics of the move argue that simply removing encampments without addressing the underlying causes of homelessness—such as lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and substance abuse—will not provide a long-term solution. Advocates for the homeless stress the importance of comprehensive support services alongside enforcement measures.
Proponents, however, argue that the visible presence of encampments poses public health and safety risks and that the new measures will help restore order to public spaces while still offering support to those in need.
