‘No more excuses’: Newsom calls for cities to adopt plan banning homeless encampments

A person walks with carts in the rain near an encapment of unhoued people in Skid Row as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, continue to impact Southern California

| Published May 12, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom has introduced a model ordinance urging cities and counties across the state to ban homeless encampments on public property. This initiative, announced on May 12, 2025, aims to address the state’s escalating homelessness crisis, which currently affects over 180,000 individuals, including approximately 123,000 unsheltered people .

Key Provisions of the Model Ordinance

The proposed ordinance includes several stipulations:

• Prohibiting individuals from camping in the same public location for more than three consecutive days.

• Banning the obstruction of sidewalks, bike paths, and other public rights-of-way.

• Requiring a 48-hour notice before clearing encampments, along with a reasonable effort to offer shelter or services to those affected.

To support these measures, Newsom has announced the release of $3.3 billion in voter-approved funding aimed at expanding housing, mental health treatment, and other supportive services for homeless populations .

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that he is pushing cities to ban homeless encampments.Getty Images

Support and Criticism

Proponents argue that the ordinance provides necessary tools for local governments to manage public spaces and connect homeless individuals with essential services. They emphasize that the initiative balances enforcement with compassion, aiming to protect both the unhoused and the broader community.

Critics, however, contend that the plan may lead to criminalizing homelessness without adequately addressing its root causes, such as the lack of affordable housing and insufficient shelter capacity. They also express concerns about the potential for increased police interactions and the displacement of vulnerable populations without guaranteed access to alternative accommodations .

The governor has promised $3.3 billion in public funding to “expand behavioral health housing and treatment options.”Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Pros and Cons of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Proposal to Ban Homeless Encampments in California

Pros:

1. Enhanced Public Safety and Cleanliness:

   • Banning encampments can improve public safety by reducing hazards in public areas, such as sidewalks, parks, and bike paths, making them safer for residents and businesses.

2. Clear Guidelines for Local Governments:

   • The model ordinance provides a standardized approach for cities, making it easier for local governments to manage homelessness while maintaining public spaces.

3. Balanced Approach with Support Services:

   • Newsom has allocated $3.3 billion for housing, mental health, and supportive services, ensuring that homeless individuals are offered assistance rather than simply being displaced.

4. Reduced Legal Liability:

   • With clear regulations, cities may face fewer lawsuits related to the management of homeless encampments, as enforcement actions will be standardized and legally supported.

5. Encouragement of Long-Term Solutions:

   • The initiative aims to direct homeless individuals toward shelters and services, potentially increasing access to long-term housing and support.

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Cons:

1. Risk of Criminalizing Homelessness:

   • Critics argue that the policy may effectively criminalize homelessness, leading to increased arrests or citations for those who have nowhere else to go.

2. Displacement Without Guaranteed Shelter:

   • Although the policy requires offering shelter options, critics are concerned that the state’s current shelter capacity is insufficient, leading to a cycle of displacement.

3. Increased Burden on Law Enforcement:

   • The enforcement of the encampment ban may place additional pressure on police, leading to potential conflicts with vulnerable populations.

4. Unclear Long-Term Impact:

   • While the plan focuses on managing public spaces, it may not adequately address root causes of homelessness, such as high housing costs, mental health issues, and unemployment.

5. Potential for Inequitable Implementation:

   • Cities with more resources may be better equipped to provide services, while poorer areas may struggle to comply with the model ordinance without sufficient funding.

A homeless outreach representative speaks with a person experiencing homelessness.AFP via Getty Images

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Conclusion:

Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to ban homeless encampments in California reflects a decisive effort to balance public safety with humanitarian support. By providing a model ordinance and substantial funding for housing and support services, the initiative aims to manage public spaces while offering alternatives to the homeless population. However, the policy also raises concerns about criminalizing homelessness, displacing vulnerable individuals without guaranteed shelter, and placing additional burdens on law enforcement. The success of this approach will ultimately depend on consistent, compassionate enforcement and the state’s ability to deliver sufficient shelter and support services.

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SOURCES – NEWSMAX – Newsom Calls on All Calif. to Clear Out Homeless

TOWNHALL – What Gavin Newsom Is Doing to Solve Homelessness Might Surprise You

DESERT SUN – ‘No more excuses’: Newsom calls for cities to adopt plan banning homeless encampments

SFIST – Newsom Calls on California Cities to Flat-Out Ban Homeless Encampments

THE NEW YORK POST – California Gov. Newsom calls on cities to ban homeless encampments on public property

REUTERS – California governor urges cities to ‘take back the streets’ from homeless

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