A federal judge is set to determine if recipients should be appointed to oversee Los Angeles’ $1 billion homeless program. This decision comes after the city reportedly withdrew from a settlement that called for the reduction of shelter beds and camps, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
U.S. District Judge David Carter, appointed by Clinton, concluded an evidence hearing marred by over 2,000 objections, instructing both parties to submit a brief by Tuesday. The LA Alliance for Human Rights argues that the city’s disorganized system, unreliable data, and missed deadlines have left many Angelenos sleeping on the streets, despite significant funding.
According to Lahasa, Los Angeles County has approximately 75,000 homeless individuals in 2024, a stark increase from about 46,000 in 2016. That’s a rise of over 60%, even with an annual budget exceeding $1 billion.
“Your honor, your honor,” said LA Alliance attorney Matthew Ummhofer during the hearing. He insisted that the system was failing and needed urgent judicial intervention.
Details from the litigation transcript haven’t been released yet.
Judge Carter has been involved with this case since 2020, having recognized a “public health and safety emergency” after discovering financial mismanagement of urban funds in escrow. In 2022, he retained Alvarez & Marzal to conduct an audit, which labeled the system as having “fragmented data.”
Mayor Karen Bass, who assumed office in December 2022, was given until May 2025 to demonstrate improvements in handling homelessness.
During her state address in April, the mayor claimed her strategy was effective, stating, “Homelessness is declining… these are tough challenges and they show that we can do more.”
The city has enlisted the prominent law firm Gibson Dunn, led by Theane Evangelis, to challenge witnesses from the LA Alliance. They argue that by 2027, the city would provide nearly 13,000 additional beds, part of a broader commitment to deliver nearly 20,000 “housing solutions.”
Emily Vaughn Henry, a former data chief at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency (LAHSA), reportedly said she would do everything possible to enhance the mayor’s image.
Defense attorneys noted that while the city has faced historical issues with data collection, steps have been taken to ensure future accuracy.
Judge Carter urged a focus on Skid Row after Marine veteran Don Garza’s testimony highlighted severe issues, with people “dead on the streets” and public funds allegedly disappearing.
During discussions about an immediate appeal, tensions arose when Bass faced scrutiny from witnesses. The judge is looking for evidence that the city’s system can be fixed without external intervention.
Ummhofer referenced a statement from the judge’s 2021 ruling in his closing argument: “This court cannot witness a preventable death,” emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
Neither Bass, Evangelis, Ummhofer, nor LAHSA responded to requests for comments.
