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July 26, 2024                                                                                              (916) 553-4093

Governor’s Executive Order on Encampments Important Step in Addressing Homelessness

SACRAMENTO—Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a critically important Executive Order directing state agencies to remove homeless encampments from state property. Like Governor Newsom, the business community strongly supported and filed amici in support of the petitioners in the Grants Pass case when it went before the U.S. Supreme Court. Today’s actions, made possible by the Court’s ruling on that case, are important not just for those experiencing homelessness, but for businesses as well.

“The governor has taken yet another important and decisive step in addressing the state’s homelessness crisis,” said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, which filed an amicus supporting the petitioners on the case. “Business properties are not housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness. Today’s actions, working in conjunction with CARE Courts and new funding for mental health services and housing solutions passed as part of Prop.1, will help address the crisis on our streets and at our front doors, while providing much-needed services and support to those experiencing homelessness.”

The broad-based business community has long supported Governor Newsom and then-Governor Brown’s call for additional one-time funding for homelessness services and many were key supporters of Prop. 1 on the March 2024 ballot.

“The California Business Properties Association was proud to stand with the governor, other business partners, and community groups when the Grants Pass case went before the U.S. Supreme Court,” added Matthew Hargrove, president of the California Business Properties Association and amicus filer. “The governor continues to be a leader in finding compassionate and meaningful solutions to the state’s homelessness crisis. Businesses have invested significant resources into addressing encampments on our properties. We look forward to local cities and counties to follow Governor Newsom and work with us to enact similar policies throughout the state.”