Karen Bass attributes rising Los Angeles homelessness to the Trump administration's policies and state funding cuts.
Karen Bass acknowledged that the number of homeless people in the city of Los Angeles rose by 3.4% this year, reaching a total of 45,194. This increase follows two years of historic declines and was driven largely by a 7.9% rise in unsheltered individuals living in tents or vehicles. The mayor attributed the reversal of progress to the Trump administration, noting that its policies have increased the cost of gas, groceries, and rent while slashing critical safety net funding. Additionally, Bass cited a $70 million hit to the city caused by state funding cuts to the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grant program. While some officials noted progress in specific districts, others criticized the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority for its lack of transparency. Bass expressed a desire to move away from the current system, which she described as broken, to develop a more accountable and results-driven response to the crisis.