SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — This week, California’s governor urged the state’s cities and counties to prohibit homeless encampments, offering a legislative model for removing the tents prevalent along streets, parks, and waterways across a significant portion of the state.

Upon assuming office in 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, elevated homelessness to a central tenet of his administration's agenda. Previously, this issue had largely fallen under the purview of mayors and other local authorities; however, Newsom substantially invested in converting disused motels into residential units and initiated further strategies aimed at ameliorating the crisis.

Nevertheless, he has consistently urged cities and counties to contribute, and on Monday, he revealed preliminary wording that local administrations could embrace to clear out encampments. Here is what should be understood:

What provisions does the model ordinance stipulate?

The proposed ordinance by Newsom features clauses barring extended camping in a single area and encampments obstructing walkways and other public areas. It requires municipalities to issue warnings and make diligent efforts to locate and offer shelter before removing an encampment.

What is the official position articulated by local governmental bodies?

Groups representing California's cities and counties strongly disagreed with the idea that they are at fault for the condition of the roads. They stated that they require consistent, long-term funding for lasting projects, rather than occasional, one-time money.

Carolyn Coleman, the executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, stated that although four-fifths of cities possess policies addressing encampments, they lack the requisite funding to tackle the fundamental drivers of homelessness, including increasing housing availability.

The California State Association of Counties asserted that the state's financial contribution to combatting homelessness is less substantial than claimed, with a significant portion allocated to housing developers.

According to proponents for the homeless, what is the current perspective?

Research indicates that prohibitions on encampments and other punitive actions exacerbate the challenges individuals face in securing stable accommodation and employment, according to Alex Visotzky of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Individuals may misplace vital documents or be unable to reach their designated case manager, compelling them to repeat previous efforts.

In Los Angeles, Jay Joshua oversees a small encampment where he also resides, asserting that such settlements can offer a secure haven for those dwelling within them.

In what ways are Californian municipalities tackling the proliferation of encampments?

Major cities led by Democratic mayors have commenced stricter enforcement against encampments, asserting they pose significant public health and safety risks.

In San Francisco, newly elected mayor Daniel Lurie pledged to improve the cleanliness of city sidewalks, while in San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan put forth a proposal for arrests should an individual decline shelter on three separate occasions.

Are cities and counties compelled to implement it?

Newsom lacks the authority to compel cities and counties into enacting an encampment prohibition.

But the suggested law about camps came with news of $3.3 billion in grants for places that help with mental health and drug problems, which might mean he could make state money depend on following the rules.

In 2022, he halted $1 billion in state funding for local government, deeming their strategies to address homelessness inadequate.