Los Angeles Council Approves $450K to Build Independent Homeless Services Department

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously (14‑0) to allocate $450,000 for hiring an expert consultant who will design a city‑run department to address the homelessness crisis, moving the city away from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). The motion, introduced by Council President Marqueece Harris‑Dawson, directs the city manager to engage the consultant and requires a final plan to be delivered to Mayor Karen Bass.

In the same session, council members approved nearly $5 million in funding to sustain LAHSA’s contract administration through June 2027, covering projects such as Homekey micro‑housing, the Inside Safe initiative, and other shelter services. Councilmember Monica Rodríguez was the sole dissenting voice on the broader budget, criticizing LAHSA’s performance and urging an independent municipal agency. The county previously diverted more than $300 million and staff to launch its own homeless department on July 1, after audits revealed deficiencies that led to a federal funding suspension.

The new structure aims to centralize assistance, reduce bureaucracy, and improve transparency in Los Angeles’ homelessness response.