The Contentious Battle for LA's Homelessness Programs: Where We Stand Now
A judge contemplates transitioning Los Angeles' homelessness initiatives to a court-appointed manager.
The ongoing legal battle over LA's homelessness programs, with U.S. District Judge David O. Carter presiding, is at a critical juncture. The LA Alliance for Human Rights has petitioned for a receiver to take control, alleging the city has violated settlement terms made in 2020 and 2022. These agreements required the provision of nearly 20,000 housing solutions and the removal of around 10,000 encampments[1][2].
This high-stakes dispute spanned over two intense weeks, with counsel for the defendant objecting more than 2,000 times, punctuating the hearing. The busiest day saw Carter overrule a whopping 440 objections[2]. The heated exchange is a clear indication of the emotional investment and fierce opposing views in this matter.
Key Arguments
LA Alliance for Human Rights
- Broken System: The alliance argues that the city's failure to adhere to settlement agreements has resulted in a broken system that demands urgent judicial intervention[1].
- Lack of Proof of Compliance: The alliance claims that the city lacks sufficient evidence to prove they will meet their targets, necessitating judicial intervention to ensure compliance[2].
City of Los Angeles
- No Breach: The city denies breaching the settlements, dismissing the alliance's contentions as an inflated version of the facts and law[1].
- Intention to Comply: City officials assert their commitment to comply with the agreements, aiming to provide 12,915 additional homeless beds by June 2027[3].
- Absence of Evidence for Non-Compliance: The city insists the alliance has not provided evidence that they will fail to meet their targets, maintaining they are on track to fulfill their obligations[2].
The city contends that the alliance's attempts are an attempt to transform this legal proceeding into a review of the city's decisions regarding homelessness policies[1].
Stay tuned as Judge David O. Carter reviews the parties' written briefs and delivers his crucial judgment on this unprecedented move.
Contributions by Jack Flemming and David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times staff writers
Further Reading
Upcoming Taxes Set to Dwarf Decade's Homelessness Spending: Who Guards the Purse?
Moving Beyond LA's Homelessness Emergency: A City Hall Debate
Karen Bass Won't Be Forced to Testify About Homeless Programs
- The ongoing legal battle over the homelessness programs in Los Angeles is centered around Judge David O. Carter presiding over a petition by the LA Alliance for Human Rights for a receiver, arguing the city has violated settlement terms from 2020 and 2022.
- During the court hearings, the city's counsel objected more than 2,000 times, with over 440 objections being overruled on the busiest day.
- Key arguments from the LA Alliance for Human Rights suggest a broken system due to the city's failure to adhere to settlement agreements, claiming that they lack sufficient evidence to prove they will meet their targets.
- The city of Los Angeles refutes these claims, denying any breach of the settlements and citing their intention to provide 12,915 additional homeless beds by June 2027.
- Local politics and policy-and-legislation related to the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles are covered by Jack Flemming and David Zahniser, staff writers for the Los Angeles Times.
- Assessing the parties' briefs, Judge David O. Carter will soon deliver a crucial judgment on this unprecedented legal proceeding, also facing related topics such as taxes and the city's spending on homeless programs in the forthcoming general-news articles.
