The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has recently approved a spending plan for the Measure A tax dollars, securing $12.2 million for cities within Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Fourth District. This move, directed by Hahn, aims to maximize the voter-approved funds, ensuring that local municipalities have the resources to tackle homelessness with tailored solutions. The amendment, which came into effect following a unanimous vote, marks a considerable change in how the funds are distributed among cities and unincorporated areas.
The funding emanates from Measure A, a half-cent sales tax passed in November 2024 that was designed to enhance services and housing for the homeless. "Thanks to voters, our county’s 88 cities will finally have direct, reliable funding to address the unique homeless crises facing their communities with the solutions that work best for their residents," Supervisor Hahn stated. She emphasized the urgency to make a difference, intending to empower cities so they can "start strong, make a difference in unsheltered homelessness, and be real partners in this work with us." By issuing Formula 4 for fund allocation, the revised approach devotes 10% based on the count of households in poverty and an overwhelming 90% based on recent homeless count data, resulting in increased funding for 67 of the county's 88 cities and unincorporated areas.
This injection of funds is designated for efforts such as prevention, mental healthcare, outreach, and housing. Cities are set to receive additional resources later in the year, designated specifically for housing preservation and development. This dual thrust of immediate and future funding illustrates the County's committed approach to not just temporary fixes but sustained, structural ameliorations.
The City of Long Beach emerges as a notable beneficiary, receiving $4,865,697, reflecting its significant needs and homeless population. Other cities, like Bell and South Gate, are set to receive substantial sums, clocking in at $570,464 and $495,741, respectively. Smaller cities such as Avalon and Rolling Hills Estates will also see noteworthy funding, adjusted to match their scale and needs. According to the breakdown provided, the City of Los Angeles stands to gain a considerable $54.9 million, while $10.7 million will be allocated to unincorporated regions, detailing a widespread commitment across one of America’s most populous counties.
