Newsom Plans Funding Withdrawals for Cities Not Addressing Homelessness

California Governor Gavin Newsom is intensifying efforts to combat homelessness by threatening to withhold state funding from cities and counties that do not make significant progress in reducing unsheltered homelessness and clearing encampments. A new accountability website, accountability.ca.gov, has been launched to track the spending and effectiveness of local homelessness initiatives. The state has released $920 million in new funding, but with strict requirements for transparency and accountability. Newsom's approach comes after a state audit criticized the lack of oversight on billions spent on homelessness. The governor's stance has been consistent, with previous threats and executive orders aimed at encouraging local governments to take more decisive action. Critics argue that while state funding is essential, the lack of affordable housing remains a core issue in California's homelessness crisis.