URGENT UPDATE: A federal court judge has raised alarms over the City of Los Angeles’ significant delays in addressing homelessness, as mandated by a settlement agreement. During a hearing on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge David Carter expressed frustration with the city’s “consistent lack of cooperation,” highlighting that officials are failing to meet crucial obligations outlined in a lawsuit settlement.
Judge Carter’s remarks come amid ongoing complaints from the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, which contends that the city is not providing necessary documentation without court orders or media scrutiny. “The city’s response has been inadequate, jeopardizing the progress needed to tackle this crisis,” the judge stated during the hearing held in Los Angeles federal court.
The urgency of the situation is amplified by the approaching date for a scheduled evidentiary hearing on November 19, 2023. Judge Carter has mandated quarterly hearings to ensure the city adheres to its commitments. The court’s oversight was instituted after the city’s alleged failure to meet key milestones in its homeless response efforts.
As of now, Los Angeles is required to produce 12,915 shelter beds by June 2027, yet more than 3,800 beds are still needed, according to court documents. The judge emphasized that the city’s refusal to share updated plans and verify its reported progress has unnecessarily wasted resources, both for the court and the involved parties.
The case, which began in March 2020, involves claims against the city and Los Angeles County for insufficient action against homelessness. In a settlement approved in September 2023, the county agreed to provide an additional 3,000 beds for mental health and substance abuse treatment by the end of 2024, along with subsidies for 450 new board-and-care beds. However, the L.A. Alliance’s recent filings suggest that the city is falling short of its obligations.
Judge Carter pointed to a year-long independent audit by Alvarez & Marsal, which revealed that Los Angeles’ homeless services are hampered by outdated systems and a lack of accountability. The audit was unable to verify the number of shelter beds the city claims to have created, raising further concerns about transparency.
“The court wants the city to succeed,” Carter remarked, “because when the system fails, people die. And when it works – even slowly – lives are saved.” He further noted that the city’s pattern of withholding documentation undermines public trust and judicial integrity.
This developing situation is critical not only for the city’s homeless population but also for Angelenos who are witnessing the repercussions of these failures. The judge’s call for regular hearings signals a tightening grip on city officials as they face increasing pressure to fulfill their commitments.
For residents and advocates, the implications of this ruling are profound. The ongoing delays and lack of accountability could exacerbate the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, where the number of individuals experiencing homelessness remains alarmingly high. The next steps will be closely watched as the court continues to demand compliance and transparency from city leaders.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and the November hearing approaches. The urgency of addressing homelessness in Los Angeles cannot be overstated, and every moment counts.
