Gov. Newsom passed a new executive order on homeless encampments. Here’s what it means

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order directing state agencies “to move urgently to address dangerous” homeless encampments and clear them from state land while giving city and local leaders a push to do the same.

The order comes a month after a Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on sleeping outside in public spaces.

In 2023, there more than 180,000 homeless people in California in 2023. Newsom’s order comes as the lack of affording housing and rising cost of living have pushed increasing numbers of people out onto the streets. In many cities, the homeless population far exceeds the number of shelter beds available on any given night.

The order raises questions about how this will be carried out given the challenges that cities are facing, and the governor’s office said details are still be hammered out.

Here’s a look at what we know so far:

What does the executive order say?

The executive order directs state agencies to remove homeless encampments from state land. That includes state parks and beaches, agency buildings, and highways and the areas beneath them.

In Los Angeles, one of the largest homeless encampments can be found under the 105 freeway, which is maintained by the California Department of Transportation, known as Caltrans.

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