SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California’s governor urged the state’s cities and counties this week to prohibit homeless encampments, even offering model legislation aimed at removing the tents prevalent along streets, parks, and waterways across large swathes 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 relegated primarily to the purview of mayors and local officials, Newsom's administration channeled substantial funding into transforming disused motels into residential units and spearheaded a range of other initiatives aimed at ameliorating the issue.

Nevertheless, he has consistently urged cities and counties to contribute, and on Monday, he revealed proposed legislation that local authorities could enact to clear encampments. Here's a summary of the key points:

What are the specifications outlined in the exemplary ordinance?

The model ordinance proposed by Newsom prohibits ongoing camping in a single spot and encampments obstructing pavements and other public areas. It requires municipalities and counties to issue warnings and make every conceivable effort to locate and offer accommodation before dismantling an encampment.

What is the stance of local authorities on this matter?

Groups representing California's cities and counties disagreed with the idea that they are responsible for the state of the streets. They argue that they need regular, long-term funding for lasting projects instead of occasional, one-time money.

Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, stated that while eight out of ten cities possess policies to manage encampments, they require funding to tackle the fundamental drivers of homelessness, including augmenting housing provisions.

According to the California State Association of Counties, the state's contribution to tackling homelessness falls short of its claims, with fifty per cent of allocated funds directed towards housing developers.

According to proponents of homeless rights, what assertions are made?

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

Individuals may misplace vital documents or lose contact with a reliable case manager, obliging them to recommence the process.

Jay Joshua, a resident of a small encampment in Los Angeles, also acts as its overseer, asserting that these encampments can furnish a secure haven for those who inhabit them.

What measures are California municipalities implementing to tackle the proliferation of encampments?

Major cities led by Democratic mayors have initiated rigorous enforcement against encampments, citing concerns for public health and safety.

In San Francisco, the newly elected mayor, Daniel Lurie, has pledged to improve the condition of city sidewalks, while in San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan has put forward a proposal to arrest individuals who decline offers of shelter on three occasions.

Are cities and counties compelled to implement it?

Newsom lacks the authority to mandate that cities and counties implement a prohibition on encampments.

Crucially, the suggested encampment law was coupled with the disclosure of a $3.3 billion grant fund for facilities addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, implying he might link state funding to adherence.

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