It’s Time for Accountability in Homelessness Spending

Media
7 hours ago
2 min read

Homeless people stand among their items along 17th Street in San Diego | City News Service

For years, Californians have been told that billions of dollars in homelessness funding would help solve one of our state’s most pressing challenges. Yet, despite record spending, the crisis continues to grow — more tents on sidewalks, more suffering, and fewer answers about where the money actually goes.

That’s why next week, I’m bringing forward new legislation at the County Board of Supervisors to launch a Transparency and Accountability Audit of Homelessness Spending Regionwide.

This measure will direct County staff to work with cities, nonprofits, and regional partners to identify exactly how much money has been received, how it’s been spent, by whom, and where dollars remain unaccounted for.

A recent report from the California State Auditor revealed that between 2018 and 2023, over $24 billion in state homelessness funding was spent with little to no consistent tracking or oversight. The result? A bureaucracy that continues to grow while the public loses faith — and people continue to suffer on our streets.

California spent billions on homelessness without tracking if it worked

Our County has made progress — we’ve seen an 11% reduction in homelessness in the unincorporated area and we’re launching a public-facing dashboard early next year to show residents where local funds are going. But homelessness doesn’t stop at city borders. We need a regional approach that brings transparency and accountability to every dollar spent.

This isn’t just about dollars and data — it’s about trust and results. Taxpayers deserve to know that their money is making a real difference, and those experiencing homelessness deserve a system that works.

I’m committed to shining a light on where our resources are going — and ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to get people off the streets and into safe, stable housing.

Thank you for continuing to stand with me in demanding accountability, compassion, and results.