Legal Update: On May 12, 2025, Governor Newsom released a model ordinance designed to help cities and counties swiftly address hazardous and unsanitary encampments while connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter and supportive services. Governor Gavin Newsom released a statewide model ordinance designed to encourage California cities and counties to address homeless encampments swiftly while preserving dignity and ensuring access to services. This model ordinance comes on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass v. Johnson decision, which clarified that jurisdictions may enforce against camping on public property even when alternative shelter is not necessarily available. The Governor’s action follows Executive Order N-1-24, which directed State agencies to prioritize the clearance of encampments on State property, and encouraged local governments to adopt similar policies. With legal authority now firmly affirmed by the Supreme Court, the message to local governments is clear: there are no more excuses for inaction. However, despite the Governor’s optimistic model ordinance, many challenges still face local agencies in...
