Los Angeles, CA – Legislation aimed at reducing homelessness in Los Angeles just earned the support of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, led by Sups. Mark Ridley-Thomas and Kathryn Barger. The bill (AB 1197), authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles), would bring emergency and supportive housing projects funded by voter-approved or state budget dollars under expedited review.
“Homelessness is the crisis of our generation, and must be confronted head-on at full speed. The resounding support for this measure from LA County’s leadership reflects the urgency of tackling this problem” said Santiago, Chair of the Select Committee on Los Angeles County Homelessness. “AB 1197 expedites the construction of housing for homeless Angelenos who need shelter today. I look forward to working with the Board of Supervisors to get this done.”
“People are becoming homeless faster than we can house them,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said. “Without a doubt we are facing a crisis that has reached state of emergency proportions, and it requires bold action on all fronts, in both the public and private sector. AB 1197 is one additional tool in our toolbox to combat homelessness. I applaud Assemblymember Miguel Santiago for advancing this important piece of legislation. We need Everyone In!”
AB 1197 “will allow the construction of thousands of permanent supportive housing and emergency shelter/interim housing projects to proceed without delay,” the motion reads. “This is a model that should be expanded throughout the County and the State to ensure that all jurisdictions within the State efficiently and effectively combat the growing homeless and affordable housing crisis.”
Functionally, the bill expands current California Environmental Quality Act exemptions, until January 1, 2025, to include permanent supportive housing projects approved or carried out by the City of Los Angeles that are funded by Proposition HHH and HEAP dollars.
The full text of the LA County Board of Supervisors’ motion of support can be found here.
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