Gavin Newsom, Governor of California | Official website
State and local officials across California have expressed support for Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement of a new statewide task force focused on reducing homelessness. The initiative aims to prioritize the removal of encampments along state rights-of-way in California’s ten largest cities, while connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with supportive services and shelter.
Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem Supervisor Hilda Solis highlighted recent progress in her region: “Homelessness across Los Angeles County has declined over the last two years, thanks to dedicated collaboration and investment from Governor Newsom. In Skid Row, which I represent, Encampment Resolution Fund grants from the State of California helped to move nearly 3,000 individuals into interim housing and over 1,600 into permanent housing, demonstrating what we can accomplish when we work together on our most pressing challenges. I applaud the Governor’s commitment to partner with local jurisdictions to ensure our unhoused communities receive the services needed to transition into stable housing. Together, we’ll continue reversing homelessness trends in California and improve the quality of life for all Angelenos.”
Kern County Chair Supervisor Leticia Perez emphasized the importance of addressing encampments quickly: “Kern County deserves safe and clean neighborhoods. This requires addressing unsafe homeless encampments quickly and humanly. I admire Governor Newsome for establishing the SAFE Taskforce, bringing together state agencies to collaborate with locals to clear encampments and connect people with the housing and care they need. Kern County has seen a reduction in its homeless population — this kind of partnership is critical to our success and I applaud the Governor for his bold and decisive action.”
Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez pointed out efforts that go beyond relocating individuals: “We applaud the Governor’s effort to clean up homeless encampments and help bring our homeless population off the streets, canals, alleyways and freeways and into services that wont just temporarily move them around but rather address the root issues causing the crisis: substance abuse, mental illness, and affordable housing challenges. This collaborative solution based approach will ensure our communities are clear and safer!”
Alameda County President David Haubert referenced recent data showing a decrease in homelessness: “Alameda County is proud to have reduced overall homelessness by 3% as of our last PIT count, which we accomplished through targeted investment and enhanced coordination with our cities. Additional resources and partnership from the State, like the initiative announced today, will help us keep forward momentum on the most critical issue facing our communities.”
Orange County Chair Supervisor Doug Chaffee said: “It is vital for us to increase outreach and connect people with support. Through SAFE, the County and the State will humanely clear the encampments and assist individuals to access care and housing. To ensure SAFE works effectively, it is important that we support prevention efforts, ensuring that encampments don’t continue.”
Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh commented on recent reductions in unsheltered homelessness in her city: “In partnership with the state, Bakersfield and other cities have taken bold action to move homeless persons off the streets and connect them to shelter and supportive services. While Bakersfield’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count showed a 10.5% reduction in unsheltered homelessness, much work remains to be done. Bakersfield welcomes the collaborative resources of the statewide SAFE Task Force to clear encampments as we continue to pursue lasting solutions to California’s mental health, substance use, and housing crisis.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted ongoing progress: “Street homelessness has declined in Los Angeles two years in a row, and with partnerships like this, that progress will continue. Homeless encampments, debris and graffiti located on highways and freeways are under state jurisdiction. I am glad that the Governor is continuing action to collaborate with local efforts. Los Angeles has bucked nationwide trends of increasing homelessness and Governor Newsom’s announcement of a task force will help keep that momentum.”
Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty stated: “We are focused on providing outreach, engagement, and support, and enforcing our laws and ordinances. We appreciate the support from the Governor’s Office and look forward to working together.“
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson described ongoing cooperation between city government agencies: “Long Beach has a strong history of working collaboratively with the state to successfully address encampments. Because state highways and rights of way are the state’s responsibility, partnership is essential to clean up these areas. Governor Newsom’s task force announced today is a proactive and welcome opportunity to work together with cities like Long Beach to deliver results more quickly…”
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie discussed conditions at highway entrances: “The first thing you see when you get to San Francisco should be representative of…clean streets…Under my administration…city government will no longer tolerate…the conditions…on-ramps…and now we have…the tools…Thank you…Governor Newsom…and Caltrans for helping us deliver cleaner…streets…”
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said: “I applaud…the resources [the governor] is committing at…the local level…These task forces will serve…to eradicate encampments regardless of their location.”
Carolyn Coleman from League of California Cities commented on recent trends statewide: “Thanks in part to significant state investment,…cities throughout California are seeing reductions in…the growth of homelessness…” She added her approval for new collaboration between agencies.
Jim Wunderman from Bay Area Council described street encampments as visible signs of longstanding problems but supported coordinated solutions going forward.
Ahmad Thomas from Silicon Valley Leadership Group said business leaders recognize comprehensive strategies are needed; he welcomed continued implementation steps through this new task force.
Alonso Vivas from Downtown San Diego Partnership expressed appreciation for actions targeting chronic issues near key downtown gateways.
Nancy Ward at Cal OES called safe living spaces foundational for community resilience.
Kim Johnson at Health & Human Services stressed urgency combined with long-term care goals.
California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee outlined CHP's role supporting public safety during operations.
Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin cited leadership aimed at restoring dignity while ensuring transportation systems serve everyone safely.
Tomiquia Moss at Business Consumer Services & Housing Agency emphasized accountability alongside humane approaches aligning agency actions.
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