L.A. County supervisors and the city of Long Beach are expected to follow the city of L.A.’s lead in declaring a state of emergency over the growing homeless crisis in Southern California.
The L.A. Times is reporting that the county Board of Supervisors approved a motion calling on its staff to work arm-in-arm with Los Angeles city officials to address homelessness and assist in any way possible to implement L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ emergency declaration. On Tuesday, the board will consider a declaration of its own.
The motion notes, “Proclaiming a local emergency to address this critical crisis will provide the county with additional tools to accelerate and expand its response through the Homeless Initiative and in collaboration with our city partners. These additional tools include accelerated hiring of additional employees to address homelessness and mental health, the more effective and efficient use of funds, an expedited procurement of critical items, a faster and more streamlined creation of housing, expanded services, and the ability to request additional resources from the State and Federal governments.”
Also happening today, the Long Beach City Council is scheduled to vote on a homelessness emergency proclamation.
Long Beach’s new Mayor, Rex Richardson, told KTLA that the declaration would mean restructuring how the city responds, allowing city departments to quickly collaborate when it comes to solving issues around things like temporary housing, mental health and public safety.