Governor creates new task force to address encampments

By Caroline Grinder, legislative advocate (community services)

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new task force dedicated to addressing encampments on state properties. The group - which will focus on California's ten largest cities - is comprised of six different state agencies and departments. It will begin operations within the next 30 days.

Cal Cities has been calling on the state to do more to address encampments on state properties. These efforts include co-sponsoring SB 569 (Blakespear), which aimed to improve coordination between cities and the California Department of Transportation to better address homeless encampments on state-owned land. Unfortunately, the bill was held after the administration proposed last-minute changes that weakened the bill.

"We know that addressing dangerous homeless encampments on state-owned land is an essential part [of addressing homelessness]," said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman in response to the Governor's announcement. "That's why I'm glad to see this announcement that brings together state agencies to better support city efforts to clear them quickly and humanely."

The state's announcement about the task force was vague on details: It is too early to know how this task force will work with local governments to ensure those living in encampments are connected to local services and housing.

California's largest cities are already grappling with the impacts of recent cuts to state homelessness funding, which could impact the very programs intended to serve individuals transitioning out of encampments.

Just three months ago, lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom zeroed out funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Grant Program - the main source of homelessness funding for many communities - for the current fiscal year. For FY 2026-27, lawmakers set aside $500 million - half the level of previous years.

"While we continue to call on the state to restore funding, we also urge them to distribute the funds that are available quickly so cities can continue to support their unhoused residents without disruption," Coleman said recently.

According to the Governor's press release, the new task force will prioritize larger encampments on state rights-of-ways, such as along highways, medians, on and off ramps, and under overpasses. The group includes representatives from the California Highway Patrol, Office of Emergency Services, Department of Housing and Community Development, Interagency Council on Homelessness, Health and Human Services, and the California Department of Transportation.

Cal Cities is urging the state to ensure that best practices and lessons learned from the newly created task force translate into real solutions for small and medium-sized cities grappling with encampments on state property.