County to Collaborate with City of LA on Establishing an Independent Homelessness Department

Following the decision to establish a new County department to oversee homelessness programs, the Board of Supervisors is directing the County CEO today to work in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles to define the partnership.

On April 1, supervisors voted to establish a new department to centralize all homelessness funding and programs, including the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, a collaborative project with the City.

City officials had expressed concern over the move, which reduced the County’s investment in Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. In a letter, Mayor Karen Bass argued the decision would only introduce new bureaucracy and hinder ongoing efforts.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath introduced Tuesday’s motion to delineate shared responsibilities before establishing a new authority.

“Given the urgent threat posed by the homelessness crisis, and the multiplying impact that impaired relationships have on progress, it is necessary that the County and the City of Los Angeles create new channels of direct, effective communication informed by a clearly defined delineation of responsibilities that allow for a new era of partnership,” the motion read.

With input from City officials, the County CEO was asked to discuss responsibilities and a timeline for the establishment of the new department, as well as opportunities for increased collaboration.

Officials also requested that a report, due by Sept. 30, include any potential adverse impacts to the City caused by the establishment of the new department and recommendations to prevent it.