California Governor Signs Law Mandating Sacramento Region to Form Joint Powers Authority for Homelessness
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 802, a new law that mandates Sacramento County and its five largest cities to form a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to coordinate their response to homelessness. This legislation is unprecedented in California, as it marks the first time the state Legislature has compelled local governments to establish such an authority. The law requires Sacramento, along with Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, and Folsom, to finalize their JPA by January 2028. The goal is to improve communication and collaboration among local jurisdictions, which have historically struggled with fragmented efforts to address homelessness. Supporters argue that homelessness transcends jurisdictional boundaries and requires a unified approach, while opponents, including Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy, express concerns about the precedent of forced collaboration and potential increased bureaucracy. The county is reportedly considering legal action to prevent its implementation...
