Title
a. Receive a presentation assessing the extent to which County of Monterey ordinances and policies align with Governor Newsom’s Model Ordinance for Addressing Encampments; and
b. Provide direction as necessary.
Presenter: Roxanne Wilson, County Homeless Services Director
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a presentation assessing the extent to which County of Monterey ordinances and policies align with Governor Newsom’s Model Ordinance for Addressing Encampments; and
b. Provide direction as necessary.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
This presentation provides an assessment of alignment between County ordinances and policies regulating camping on public spaces, including homeless encampments, and Governor Newsom’s May 12, 2025 guidance document entitled “Model Ordinance: Addressing Encampments with Urgency and Dignity.”
The US Supreme Court ruled in June 2024 in Grants Pass v. Johnson that officials can take reasonable actions to clear encampments. Immediately to follow, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-1-24, directing state agencies to develop policies to prioritize addressing dangerous and unhealthy encampments on state property and encouraging local governments to adopt similar policies.
On January 28, 2025, the County Board of Supervisors approved a policy for addressing encampments which provides guidance to departments and offices regarding when and in what manner encampments within the County of Monterey’s jurisdictional boundaries will be addressed.
On May 12, 2025, The Office of the Governor issued guidance called Model Ordinance for Addressing Encampments with Urgency and Respect and encouraged local Governments to adopt similar policies and take urgent action to remove encampments from public spaces. He further directed the California Interagency Council on Homelessness to create guidance for local governments to follow in creating and implementing those programs.
This presentation is provided to allow the 4H Committee to assess the degree of congruence between local policies and guidance documents issued from the State.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks reviewed and commented on this presentation.
FINANCING:
There are no impacts on the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This recommendation aligns with Strategic Goal A: Create a safe and healthy community where all can thrive (Housing) of the County’s Strategic Plan.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
__Economic Development
__Administration
_X_Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Attachments: Presentation
Monterey County Encampment Resolution Policy
Governor Newsom’s “Model Ordinance: Addressing Encampments with Urgency and Dignity”
Cal ICH Guidance: Addressing Encampments