Gov. Newsom launches $920M homelessness funding, demands local accountability

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $920 million funding initiative aimed at tackling homelessness and improving accountability among local governments. The new website, accountability.ca.gov, will track each county's progress in addressing homelessness, ensuring that funds are allocated based on demonstrable results. Newsom emphasized that cities and counties must present detailed plans to access these funds, with the possibility of financial penalties for those failing to meet targets. The majority of the funding—$760 million—will support housing and outreach services, while $160 million is available immediately for local governments. San Diego County, among others, will be monitored closely, with data showing a rise in homelessness despite some progress in housing unit permits. The initiative reflects a growing demand for transparency and effectiveness in the use of state funds to alleviate the homelessness crisis in California.