UPDATE: California’s efforts to tackle homelessness face a significant setback as the number of encampment closures has declined sharply following Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive issued on July 25, 2024. This urgent call to local agencies aimed to showcase a proactive state response to the escalating homelessness crisis but has not yielded the expected results.
In the wake of Newsom’s command to “urgently” dismantle homeless camps on state property, data reveals that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) initiated only 300 encampment closures by November 2024, a drastic drop from over 850 closures in May and June of that year. The decline has raised concerns among local officials and advocates, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing this humanitarian crisis.
Newsom’s office attributed the downturn to enhanced support provided to local governments, which was supposed to foster effective programs for managing homelessness. “There may simply be fewer encampments to clean up on state rights-of-way,” the governor’s office stated, attempting to shift the narrative towards positive collaboration with local authorities.
However, local leaders like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan express frustration, stating that the local “right of way is consistently re-encamped,” posing ongoing public safety hazards. Mahan noted that even as San Jose collaborates with Caltrans, delays and communication barriers hinder meaningful progress.
In a surprising move, Newsom announced a new agreement with San Jose this week, allowing the city to clear encampments on Caltrans property, joining 21 other cities in similar arrangements. “This is what partnership looks like,” Newsom stated, emphasizing the challenges of local governance.
Despite these agreements, the numbers tell a troubling story. From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, Caltrans reportedly removed 115 encampments in San Jose, marking a 53% increase from the previous fiscal year. Yet, critics argue that without addressing underlying issues, such as the lack of affordable housing, these measures merely shift the problem rather than solve it.
Advocates for the homeless argue that dismantling encampments can cause further trauma to already vulnerable individuals, often resulting in displacement rather than resolution. The League of California Cities reported that 40% of surveyed cities faced obstacles when trying to coordinate with state agencies, stressing the need for a more streamlined approach.
The backdrop of this situation is stark: California’s homeless population surpassed 187,000 in 2023, representing a 24% increase since Newsom took office in 2019. Despite over $27 billion allocated to combat homelessness, the crisis remains a significant political challenge for the governor, particularly as he eyes a potential presidential run.
Political analysts point out that while some cities report declines in homelessness, the overall picture remains grim. “He and his team recognize this is a significant vulnerability,” stated Dan Schnur, a political science professor, noting that the governor’s office is aware of the potential backlash from opponents highlighting the ongoing homelessness crisis.
As Newsom’s administration grapples with these challenges, the recent launch of the State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force aims to improve coordination between state and local governments. The task force’s mission reflects a commitment to addressing homelessness “with urgency, compassion, and accountability.”
As developments continue, Californians are left questioning the effectiveness of the state’s strategies. The situation remains fluid, with local officials and advocates pressing for more cohesive and actionable plans to truly combat the homelessness epidemic. What will be the next steps from Newsom and local leaders in overcoming these daunting challenges? Stay tuned for further updates.
