Newsom Says He Will Block Funding to Local Governments That Don’t Clear Homeless Camps

The California governor said homelessness is the state’s most pressing issue, and he plans to redirect funds in January.

Gov. Gavin Newsom participates in an encampment cleanup in Los Angeles County through the state’s Clean California initiative on Aug. 8, 2024. Courtesy of the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom cautioned city and county officials statewide on Aug. 8 that if efforts are not undertaken to remove homeless camps, he will redirect money to other local governments that are showing results.

“We’ve been providing the support, local government embraces those efforts ... we’re going to double down,” Newsom said at a press conference. “If local government is not interested, we’re fine. We’ll redirect the money to parts of the state, cities, and counties that are.”