A meeting that aimed to discuss whether Los Angeles County should take control over important administrative aspects of regional homelessness programs came to an unexpected halt on Friday. Mayor Karen Bass, along with four City Council members, expressed their frustration, pushing for a combined oversight between the city and the county.
This particular meeting of the Los Angeles Continuum of Care membership was noticeably short, lasting only about two minutes before it was canceled. The organizers, it seems, were not ready for the turnout they had, as noted in a joint statement by Bass and the council members.
“Today’s meeting fell apart just two minutes after it began because the Board didn’t prepare adequately for a large audience,” the officials remarked. “The people of Los Angeles deserve a say in the future of homelessness services, and today they were silenced.”
The meeting was meant to explore a proposal regarding the transfer of key administrative functions from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to the County, which is looking to consolidate efforts under its new Department of Homeless Services and Housing.
Bass, along with City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmembers Ysabel Jurado, Tim McOsker, and Imelda Padilla, have argued that Los Angeles should retain influence over the management of homelessness programs, especially concerning the placement of individuals into housing funded by the city.
The officials pointed out that Los Angeles invests hundreds of millions into housing but finds itself with limited authority over who can inhabit those units.
“To address the homelessness crisis effectively, the City must assist individuals living on our streets by placing them into the housing we create and finance,” they emphasized.
This disagreement is occurring amidst a larger movement aimed at reforming how the region handles homelessness, following years of criticism directed at the LAHSA, which has operated as a joint city-county agency since 1993.
The Continuum of Care is responsible for coordinating homelessness programs across the region, including managing federal funding, housing data, placements, and grant applications. The County’s desire to take over these administrative duties is part of a broader restructuring initiative.
City leaders maintain that given Los Angeles’ significant financial input into homelessness initiatives, it deserves an important role in how these services are managed.
“The current plan for County-only administration, as recommended by the LA CoC Board, ignores those voices,” the officials contended. “Without collaboration and transparency, managing this complex situation will only continue to struggle, leaving our unhoused neighbors to endure even more hardship.”
A follow-up meeting of the Continuum of Care is anticipated, but a date for this has not yet been announced. Officials are urging the community, including residents, business owners, advocates, and service providers, to participate when the meeting is rescheduled.
