Los Angeles City Commissioner Kenneth Mejia said this week that the city had identified more than $500 million in appropriations for homelessness programs that were not spent during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
“That’s why we’re here as city managers to provide tax transparency and accountability, and I think that’s what people want, especially with the passage of Measure A and the homeless issue. Where does that money go in solving this problem?” Mejia said.
He said the city has budgeted $1.3 billion for homeless services and has spent or committed nearly $800 million on programs such as Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe program’s emergency shelter efforts. said.
Other city officials said much of the money will be rolled over to this year’s needs because it is restricted to use for anti-homelessness programs, and they are confident the council will reinvest any discretionary funds. added.
Mayor Bass’ office said in a statement that the superintendent had previously said the spending was too high.
“Mayor Bass has implemented a smart and comprehensive strategy to reduce overall homelessness for the first time in years, reducing street homelessness by 10%. Even before she took office, she warned that the city’s outdated systems were getting in the way. “While some may ponder decades of reporting on the issue, she has been at the forefront of addressing the issue head-on,” wrote Bus spokesperson Zachary Seidl. .
Mejia added that many of the city’s departments and agencies remain understaffed, meaning some services and programs cannot be provided, making tracking funds difficult.
“We’re always encouraged when homelessness decreases, and we know that if we put money into it and spend it more, we can see tangible positive results,” Mejia said.
“We want homelessness to remain at a record level of 45,000 people, but this just shows that we need to keep spending, and 500 million It’s a lot of money.”
