Mayor attributes rise in homelessness to federal policies and funding cuts, as election season approaches
Category: Politics
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing a setback in her efforts to combat homelessness, as the city’s latest homeless count is expected to reveal a 3.4% increase in the number of unhoused individuals. The official report from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is scheduled to be released on Friday, July 24, 2026, following a count that was conducted over a three-day period in late January. The anticipated rise marks a notable change after two consecutive years of decline in homelessness.
According to preliminary information obtained by various sources, the homeless population in Los Angeles has surged to approximately 45,194 individuals, with unsheltered homelessness—including those living in tents, makeshift structures, and vehicles—rising by 7.9%. Meanwhile, the broader Los Angeles County has seen a 1.2% increase in homelessness, totaling around 73,000 unhoused individuals. These figures have sparked renewed scrutiny of the city’s homelessness strategies, especially as Mayor Bass prepares for her re-election campaign this fall.
In response to the expected rise, Bass acknowledged the challenges her administration faces, attributing the increase to a combination of federal and state policy changes that have adversely affected low-income residents. "For two years straight, we drove down homelessness by historic margins—but as expected, last year our efforts couldn’t keep up with policies and funding cuts at the federal and state levels that pushed more people onto the streets," Bass stated. She emphasized the impact of the Trump administration’s policies, which she claims have driven up the costs of gas, groceries, and rent, leading more families to the brink of homelessness.
Mayor Bass has been vocal about the systemic issues contributing to the rise in homelessness. She pointed to a 50% cut in state funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, which was reduced from $1 billion to $500 million, resulting in a $70 million loss for Los Angeles alone. This funding reduction has severely hampered efforts to keep people housed and to transition more Angelenos off the streets.
In her statement, Bass noted, "The lack of adequate services provided by L.A. County continues to be a real problem and a contributing factor to people cycling in and out of homelessness." She has recently launched a $250 million initiative called Inside Safe, aimed at moving unhoused residents into temporary and eventually permanent housing. This program is part of her broader strategy to address the homelessness crisis, which she declared a state of emergency upon taking office.
Nevertheless, the anticipated increase in the homeless count has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current approach. Critics, including Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who is running against Bass for mayor, have expressed concerns about the administration's strategy. Raman described the new numbers as "disappointing but not surprising," arguing that the city has not shifted toward an approach that effectively moves people into permanent housing. "The results in my district tell a different story—a decrease in the number of people living on our streets," she stated, pointing to her district's success in addressing homelessness through sustained, hands-on efforts.
As the release of the homeless count approaches, the city’s strategies and expenditures on homelessness will likely come under increased scrutiny. In 2026 alone, Los Angeles has budgeted nearly $100 million for the Inside Safe program, which aims to provide encampment operations, motel rooms, and supportive services for unhoused individuals. The city and county have committed nearly $3 billion annually to address homelessness through various programs, including emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing.
LAHSA Interim CEO Gita O'Neill has attributed the rise in homelessness to economic hardships, including the rising cost of living. She noted that the count is not a precise measure of neighborhood-level homelessness but rather a regional snapshot intended to provide insight into broader trends. Paul Rubenstein, LAHSA's chief of staff, emphasized the need for a more effective approach to address the underlying causes of homelessness, including a lack of time-limited rental subsidies which have dwindled due to funding cuts.
As the mayor prepares for her re-election campaign, the issue of homelessness is expected to remain at the forefront of public discourse. With the upcoming election, Bass will face increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible progress in reducing homelessness. The results of the homeless count will likely serve as a key point of discussion among candidates and constituents alike. Bass has vowed to continue fighting until street homelessness is eradicated, stating, "No Angeleno should be sleeping on the street." As the city grapples with this pressing issue, the upcoming report will provide a clearer picture of the current state of homelessness in Los Angeles.
In the aftermath of the anticipated report, Bass's administration will need to address the criticisms of its homelessness strategy and demonstrate a commitment to effective solutions that can bring about lasting change for the city's most vulnerable residents.