“The crisis remains, and so does our urgency,” Bass says
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has lifted the city’s local emergency declaration on homelessness, a measure she signed on her first day in office. While the crisis continues, Bass stated that the city now has the tools to maintain momentum without the special powers granted by the order.
In a memo to the City Council, Bass said she would not hesitate to reinstate the declaration if needed. Her decision comes as council members discuss how to gradually wind down the emergency powers.
“Therefore, with the city firmly pointed in a new direction on homelessness, I am lifting the official declaration of a state of emergency. Let me be clear: The crisis remains, and so does our urgency,” Bass wrote. “Every day, we will continue to be on the streets, engaging with people living in encampments and RVs, bringing people Inside Safe and restoring neighborhoods across Los Angeles.”
The emergency order allowed the mayor to fast-track contracts and launch Inside Safe, her signature homelessness response program. She also signed Executive Directive 1 to streamline approvals for homeless shelters and affordable housing. The city is now working to formalize that directive into law.
Bass cited progress in her decision, pointing to Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority data showing a second straight year of reduced homelessness, including a 17% drop in people living on the streets.
The City Council had most recently extended the declaration in August. Councilmembers Tim McOsker and Monica Rodriguez have since led efforts to end it. Under the City Charter, the Council must vote on emergency declarations at least every 90 days.
Council reports requested during the last extension aimed to ensure smooth transitions for service providers and housing operations if the emergency ended.
Emergency declarations allow the mayor to bypass bidding rules and speed up contracts tied to the crisis. But continuing a declaration requires regular evaluation of its impact. Key indicators include encampment reductions, more housing placements, and increased affordable housing.
McOsker acknowledged the declaration helped break through bureaucracy during a critical time. “That declaration was necessary and effective, but emergency declarations are meant to be temporary,” he said. “At some point those powers must conclude.”
He added that lifting the order allows the city to shift toward more standard procedures, improving transparency and public accountability. “Ending the emergency restores normal rules for contracts and property use, giving residents better visibility on how public resources are spent.”
The Council is also creating a new bureau within the Housing Department to oversee homelessness programs and spending.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles County is withdrawing over $300 million in Measure A funds from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and plans to move staff to support a new homelessness department.
