FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – – Mayors from California’s 11 largest cities lobbied at the state Capitol on Wednesday, April 11 for AB 3171, which would allocate $1.5 billion from the state budget to cities addressing the growing homelessness crisis in California.
“I am glad to join with my fellow mayors in a bipartisan effort to address this crisis,” said Fresno Mayor Lee Brand. “The issue of chronic homelessness and problems it causes for virtually every community in California is a growing concern, and this proposal will help give our cities the resources they need to develop comprehensive, compassionate solutions.”
California’s homeless population now stands at 134,278, according to 2017 statewide counts – an increase of 16% from 2015.
Cities across the state are struggling to provide shelter and services with money from their own general funds and voter-approved ballot measures, but those aren’t enough.
AB 3171 would support long-term solutions to homelessness, such as permanent housing and rental assistance.
It would also immediately provide for emergency measures, including triage shelters and navigation centers with wrap-around services.
By leveraging local matching funds, the legislation would result in $3 billion in funding statewide.
AB 3171 is scheduled for its first legislative hearing before the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee on April 25.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
