Karen Bass attributes a 3.4% rise in Los Angeles homelessness to federal and state funding cuts.
Karen Bass, the Mayor of Los Angeles, acknowledged that the city's homeless population is expected to rise by 3.4% this year, following two years of historic declines. The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority is scheduled to release the official results on Friday. While the overall count includes those in shelters, the number of people living unsheltered on the streets is expected to increase by approximately 8%. Bass attributed the rise to significant funding reductions at the federal and state levels. She noted that the administration's policies have increased the costs of gas, groceries, and rent while slashing critical safety net funding. Additionally, Bass highlighted a $70 million hit to the city caused by a 50% reduction in state HHAP funding. Despite these challenges, Bass noted that the city has reduced homelessness by 11% since 2023 through initiatives like "Inside Safe." While some council members expressed disappointment with the new figures, Bass remains committed to building a more transparent, results-driven system to end street homelessness.