After debate and multiple amendments, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $637 million budget for homelessness services on Tuesday, March 25.
The approved funds include:
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Over $535 million from the 2025–26 Measure A Comprehensive Homelessness Services budget
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$59 million in one-time carryover from Measure H
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$42 million from the State’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program
More than $96 million from the Local Solutions Fund will go to cities and unincorporated areas. The board had six funding formulas to choose from. Senior Manager Carter Hewgley said Formula No. 6 best encouraged local progress, but the board ultimately adopted Formula No. 4 after an amendment from Supervisor Janice Hahn. She said this formula offered a fairer distribution.
Some city leaders disagreed with the board’s approach. Palmdale Mayor Richard Loa said the plan would reduce funds for communities that need them most. A representative from Councilmember Nithya Raman’s office echoed that concern, noting both Raman and Mayor Karen Bass opposed the new funding metrics.
Several residents also voiced concerns during public comment, especially about a $7 million reduction for new programs and youth homelessness services. Speakers urged the board to prioritize support for youth and immigrant communities who are unhoused or at risk.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said Formula No. 4 helped most cities but agreed more prevention efforts were needed. She proposed amendments to restore funding for housing navigation, transitional housing, and youth services.
Supervisor Holly Mitchell opposed that reallocation, explaining she supported prevention but did not want to reduce funding for the Pathway Home Program. The board reached a compromise and adjusted the funding accordingly.
Some commenters asked the board to delay the vote, but Mitchell emphasized the need to act quickly. The board voted 5–0 to approve the funding plan.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said:
“Thanks to voters, our county’s 88 cities will finally have direct, reliable funding to address the unique homeless crises facing their communities with the solutions that work best for their residents. But just because this is new, doesn’t mean we should start small. I want to get our cities the most amount of funding possible so they can start strong, make a difference in unsheltered homelessness, and be real partners in this work with us.”
After the vote, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath released this statement:
“Our communities are tired of the status quo. They are frustrated with sharing their voices only for them to be ignored in the process. The days of rubber stamping are over. It’s time for outcome-based budgeting, where we invest in programs that house the most people with our limited dollars, and standardize care across our system.
“We must ensure every dollar invested in homeless services is used wisely and leads to real results. Cutting funds for our transition-age youth is both cruel and irresponsible, and sacrificing our prevention services cuts our most cost-effective way to keep people housed and risks increasing flow into homelessness. We need more transparency and to genuinely listen to those who are directly impacted.
“This budget underscores the urgent need to consolidate homelessness services into one department, allowing us to better track investments and outcomes, and standardize services to maximize every dollar spent.”
