STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
NB 2
8/27/2024
TN
Date: August 27, 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Rodrick Armalin, Public Safety Director
Subject: Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-1-24
Recommendation:
Direct staff to conform its standard operating procedures and policies to Executive Order N-1-24 regarding homeless encampments.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Background:
On Thursday, July 25th, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom released Executive Order N-1-24, directing all state agencies implement plans for the removal of homeless encampments from state land and relocation of unhoused individuals, and encouraging local governments to adopt policies consistent with the Order. In addition, the Order directs state agencies to use all available resources and infrastructure to take action with the urgency and compassion the homeless crisis demands to humanely remove encampments from public spaces, prioritizing those encampments that most threaten the life, health, and safety of those in and around them.
As state agencies and Los Angeles County begin to implement this order, it is imperative the City has plans and procedures in place to compassionately remove encampments from public spaces to ensure the City does not experience a rise in our homeless numbers.
Additionally, the governor has told agencies they must comply with this order or risk the loss of state funds for essential services and programs.
In reviewing our existing ordinance and procedures, we currently meet the expectations of Governor Newsom’s executive order. Our current procedures have been in place for several years, and our ordinance was updated last year to included addressing encampments that affect critical infrastructure.
At council’s direction, staff will ensure our operating procedures and policies will remain in conformance with Executive Order N-1-24.
ra:ra