1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 28, 2025
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Patrick Prescott, Community Development Department VIA: Simone McFarland, Asst. Community Development Director Kasey Lee, Housing Manager
BY: Robert Newman, Administrative Analyst II
SUBJECT: Adoption of the County of Los Angeles Johnson v. Grants Pass Supreme Court Ruling Good Neighbor Pledge
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt and sign the County of Los Angeles Johnson v. Grants Pass Supreme Court Ruling Good Neighbor Pledge.
BACKGROUND
On October 29, 2024, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger requested that the City of Burbank (City) participate in the County -wide “Homelessness Good Neighbor Pledge” (Pledge). The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is requesting the adoption of this Pledge by all Los Angeles County jurisdictions.
On June 28, 2024, in United States Supreme Court case Johnson v. Grants Pass, the Court held that the enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property does not constitute "cruel and unusual punishment" prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. As a result of this ruling, many cities and counti es began to implement stronger enforcement over the homeless living on the streets and in encampments, which caused a disruption to the status quo, and increased movement amongst the homeless population.
In response, the County Board of Supervisors created the Good Neighbor Pledge, which is a voluntary initiative that promotes mutual respect, collaboration, and proactive communication among cities. While its principles are broad, the Pledge is particularly
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
2 relevant to shared regional challenges, where coordinated efforts are essential.
Specifically, to avoid moving homeless from one jurisdiction to another, the Pledge reads:
“…we pledge not to engage in practices that simply move individuals from one jurisdictional street to another, understanding that such actions do not solve but only displace and relocate unsheltered people experiencing homelessness. ” The Pledge further affirms dedication to practices that prioritize coordination, offer services, and achieve sustainable, long-term housing solutions.
DISCUSSION
Cities within Los Angeles County often face shared homeless challenges that transcend jurisdictional boundaries. The Pledge provides a foundation for formalizing inter -city cooperation to tackle these issues effectively.
By adopting the Pledge, cities commit to preventing the unnecessary movement of homeless from one jurisdiction to another, and fostering open communication, sharing best practices, and resolving disputes collaboratively. This approach aligns with regional priorities such as sustainability, equity, and housing stability. By adopting the Pledge, the City can formalize its commitment to working with neighboring jurisdictions to address this crisis. This collaboration includes:
• Coordinated Outreach Efforts : Partnering with neighboring cities to align outreach strategies and share data to ensure consistent engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Shared Resources: Pooling funds for shelter services, mental health programs, and housing navigation resources to reduce redundancy and expand impact. • Advocacy: Presenting a united regional voice to advocate for additional state and federal funding to combat homelessness.
Staff recommends City Council adopt the Pledge, demonstrating the City’s commitment to avoid the unnecessary movement of homeless into other jurisdictions, and affirming the City’s dedication to practices that prioritize coordination, offer services, and achieve sustainable, long-term housing solutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of the Pledge has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact by adopting the Good Neighbor Pledge.
3 CONCLUSION
Adopting the Los A ngeles County Good Neighbor Pledge allows the City to strengthen ties with neighboring jurisdictions and contribute to regional solutions for shared challenges. It demonstrates the City’s commitment to not engage in practices that unnecessarily move homeless individuals out of our City and into another, and it affirms the City’s dedication to practices that prioritize coordination, offer services, and achieve sustainable, long-term housing solutions. Staff recommends the City Council approve and sign the Pledge.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Johnson v. Grants Pass Supreme Court Ruling Good Neighbor Pledge