The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday to defund the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) and establish its own homeless services department. The decision, passed with a 4-0 vote and one abstention, aims to improve oversight and efficiency in addressing homelessness. The new department will manage over $300 million from Measure A, a half-percent sales tax dedicated to homelessness services, by July 2026.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized the need for a more accountable system, stating, “This moment is about the county taking the dollars that taxpayers have entrusted to us and investing them in what works.” The new agency will be modeled after the successful Housing for Health program, which focuses on moving people into permanent housing.
The decision comes after audits criticized LAHSA for inadequate financial oversight and transparency. Despite LAHSA’s report of a decline in unsheltered homelessness, the county seeks direct control over funds to ensure better outcomes. The move has faced opposition from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and several city council members, who warned it could disrupt services and exacerbate the homelessness crisis.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell abstained from the vote, expressing concerns about the rapid transition and lack of a clear performance baseline for the new department. However, Horvath countered, highlighting the urgency of the situation with seven people dying daily on the streets of Los Angeles County.
The county plans to transfer over 700 workers to the new department by January 2026, with more employees following in the subsequent months. While LAHSA’s future remains uncertain, it will continue managing federal homelessness funds and conducting the annual homeless count. The city’s involvement and potential funding withdrawal are still under consideration, which could further impact LAHSA’s operations.
KFI’s Michael Monks talked to Tim Conway Jr. about how the vote went down. Listen to that interview below.
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