UPDATE: A federal court judge is expressing urgent concerns over the City of Los Angeles’ failure to address homelessness effectively, as revealed in a hearing just moments ago. U.S. District Judge David Carter criticized the city for its apparent delays in fulfilling obligations under a settlement agreement related to the ongoing homelessness crisis.
During a hearing on November 1, 2023, Judge Carter addressed complaints from the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, which claims the city has shown a “consistent lack of cooperation.” The judge noted that the city often fails to provide necessary documentation unless compelled by court orders or media scrutiny, raising alarms about the city’s commitment to tackling this critical issue.
The judge has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for November 19, 2023, as the court seeks to monitor the city’s compliance with its commitments. The situation is dire, with over 3,800 shelter beds still needed to meet the required total of 12,915 beds by June 2027. Judge Carter emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “When the system fails, people die. And when it works — even slowly — lives are saved.”
Amid continuing frustrations, the judge previously instituted a federal monitor to oversee compliance and ensure transparency. The L.A. Alliance has accused the city of not only failing to meet its milestones but also of obstructing the verification of its reported progress. A recent independent audit revealed significant deficiencies in Los Angeles’ homeless response, including outdated systems and a lack of accountability.
Judge Carter’s June order highlighted these issues, stating that the city is wasting resources by contesting audit results instead of improving its services. The court had mandated a settlement in September 2023 requiring Los Angeles County to add 3,000 beds for mental health and substance abuse treatment by the end of next year.
Carter’s latest ruling reflects a cautious approach, as he refrained from declaring a breach of the settlement agreement. However, he made it clear that the city must be held accountable. “The pattern is clear: documentation is withheld until exposure is imminent,” he stated, criticizing the city’s evasive record-keeping.
The L.A. Alliance continues to push for stronger measures, arguing that the current system is “irreparably broken.” They have called for a receivership to enforce compliance, but Judge Carter maintains that the court’s role is to ensure accountability without overstepping into policy-making.
As the situation develops, the court has mandated quarterly hearings to ensure ongoing monitoring of the city’s commitments. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles remains a pressing concern for residents and officials alike.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: With the evidentiary hearing set for November 19, all eyes will be on how the City of Los Angeles responds to these mounting pressures. Judge Carter’s commitment to transparency and accountability underscores the critical need for immediate action in addressing homelessness in the region. The stakes are high as the lives of vulnerable residents hang in the balance, demanding swift and effective solutions.
