Governor Gavin Newsom has expanded statewide partnerships with the cities of Ontario, San Bernardino, and San Diego to address homeless encampments along state highways. These new agreements, known as Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreements, bring California's total city partnerships to 13 and aim to improve public safety and roadway cleanliness by offsetting costs for local agencies collaborating with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
These agreements are a continuation of Governor Newsom's efforts to unite state and local governments in tackling homelessness with a focus on compassion, results, and accountability. The state's strategy involves historic investments, expanded behavioral health services, increased housing options, and assisting communities in transitioning individuals from encampments into stable housing and care.
"Our partnerships must continue delivering results – helping keep roadways clean and addressing the very real issues of homelessness in our state," Governor Gavin Newsom said. He added that pairing state investments with local coordination helps create "safer, healthier places for everyone." California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin emphasized that these solutions are strengthened by cross-government collaboration, improving safety and expanding pathways to housing and supportive services.
Under these agreements, cities are authorized to perform encampment removals, litter and debris collection, vegetation management, and graffiti abatement on state rights-of-way, adhering to state policies. Encampments posing public health and safety threats are prioritized. Since July 2021, Caltrans has removed nearly 26,500 encampments and collected approximately 457,000 cubic yards of litter and debris statewide.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, and Ontario Public Works Executive Director Tito Haes all expressed support for the renewed and new agreements. They highlighted the importance of these partnerships in maintaining clean and safe freeway corridors, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter and services, and enhancing overall community quality of life.
California has achieved its largest reduction in homelessness in over 15 years, with a 2.8% overall decline and an 6.8% reduction in unsheltered homelessness, surpassing national trends. The state also leads in increasing housing and support options, adding over 15,000 year-round beds from 2024 to 2025 and building over 682,000 homes since 2019, with plans to accommodate 3.6 million new homes.