New Ordinance By Gov. Gavin Newsom Urging Cities To Ban Homeless Encampments

California Governor Gavin Newsom is taking action to address the state’s homelessness crisis, introducing a sweeping new ordinance that would make homeless encampments on public property unlawful statewide. The initiative comes with $3.3 billion in funding to support housing and treatment services, aiming to pair stricter enforcement with long-term solutions for the unhoused population.

“Decades and decades of neglect have left hundreds of thousands — if not millions — of Californians struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders,” Newsom said earlier today. “It’s time to act with urgency.”

The governor is urging all cities and counties across California to adopt this model ordinance, which gives law enforcement the authority to shut down encampments on sidewalks, parks, and other public areas — areas that have become makeshift shelters for many without homes. Some communities, like those in the Coachella Valley, are already ahead of the curve. Indio, for example, enacted a local ordinance in July 2023 and began enforcement after the opening of a new Navigation Center in November.

“We had the policy, but enforcement only began when we had resources available,” the Indio Police Department PIO Lieutenant Abraham Plata explained.

Law enforcement in Indio now uses drones to locate hard-to-reach encampments and works with mental health professionals during enforcement operations. Lieutenant Plata emphasized that clearing encampments isn’t the end goal.

“It’s not just about moving people — we’re bringing in mental health experts to ensure individuals get the help they need,” he said.

Palm Springs has also leaned into this coordinated approach. Their Impact Team, which includes patrol officers and outreach workers, educates unhoused individuals about available services and the implications of the new ordinance. “We’re providing them with information, not just warnings,” said Public Information Officer Mike Villegas.

The Newsom administration hopes that with both funding and clear guidelines in place, municipalities will act decisively and compassionately to transition people out of unsafe encampments and into supportive care and shelter.

As California grapples with one of the nation’s most visible homelessness crises, this combination of enforcement and support could mark a significant shift in how the state approaches the issue. For more information tune into NBC Palm Springs.