A federal court hearing in Los Angeles has raised significant questions about the city’s handling of homelessness. Over two weeks, more than 2,000 objections were made during a high-stakes session where a judge is considering whether to take control of the city’s homelessness programs. This extraordinary move comes as a response to a petition by business owners, property owners, and residents who are frustrated with how the city manages its $1 billion annual budget for homelessness.
U.S. District Judge David O. Carter is set to review written briefs from both parties before making a decision. The city has hired the prominent law firm Gibson Dunn to represent it in this case, signaling its seriousness about defending its authority in managing homelessness. The lead attorney, Theane Evangelis, has argued that the petitioners have not provided sufficient evidence to support their claims against the city.
The LA Alliance for Human Rights, the group pushing for the court’s intervention, argues that the city has failed to meet previous agreements to provide nearly 20,000 new housing solutions and to clear about 10,000 encampments. Attorney Matthew Umhofer called the situation “broken” and urged the court to take action.
In contrast, Evangelis dismissed these claims, stating that the alliance is exaggerating the situation and that the city is on track to meet its goals. The defense did not call any witnesses, but objections were frequent, with Judge Carter often ruling against them. On one day alone, he overruled 440 objections.
The hearing also highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by homeless individuals in Los Angeles. Shayla Myers, representing groups advocating for the homeless, pointed out that simply removing encampments does not solve the problem. She emphasized that taking away tents leaves people vulnerable without shelter, rather than reducing homelessness.
The hearing had moments of drama, including the withdrawal of expected testimony from Mayor Karen Bass and city council members due to concerns about an appeal. Instead, the focus shifted to detailed discussions about the definitions of terms in the settlement agreements, such as what constitutes an encampment and how to count available beds.
This legal battle is the latest chapter in an ongoing saga regarding the city’s approach to homelessness. The LA Alliance previously petitioned the court to impose fines on the city for not meeting its obligations. Judge Carter has expressed skepticism about the city’s performance and has demanded improvements.
An independent audit revealed flaws in the city’s homelessness programs, including issues with data collection and financial controls. These findings have fueled calls for reform within the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which oversees the city’s homelessness efforts.
As the hearing continues, the pressure is mounting on city officials to address the homelessness crisis effectively. Judge Carter has made it clear that he expects significant changes, warning that he will take action if the city does not comply with its obligations. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for how Los Angeles approaches its homelessness crisis.