Cal Cities bill would increase collaboration and resources when addressing encampments on state land

Cal Cities is sponsoring over a dozen bills this session

By Caroline Grinder, legislative affairs lobbyist,and Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor

A bill that would improve coordination between state agencies and cities when addressing homeless encampments on state properties has gained support from local leaders throughout the state. Cal Cities is co-sponsoring the measure with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

“Cities throughout the state are already working to address and prevent encampments, but a more coordinated effort with the state is required if we are to make more measurable progress,” said Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “Together, we can better and more humanely address the needs of our unhoused residents.”

SB 569 (Blakespear) would require Caltrans, the state transportation agency, to develop locally tailored plans for homeless encampments on state-owned land. It would also require the agency to establish advisory committees, set clear timelines, speed up the contracting process, and better help transition people into shelter and services.

“While cities like mine are making progress in clearing encampments on city-owned property, we’re seeing more and more encampments along our freeways — state land where cities have no authority to act,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.

The legislation follows a 2024 executive order by Gov. Gavin Newsom that directed state agencies to adopt policies like Caltrans’ for homeless encampments. It also urged local governments to adopt similar policies, warning that state funding could be withheld if cities refuse to act. Blakeaspear said in a press release that the bill would create a “clearer path for Caltrans to help the Governor and cities achieve their shared goals.”

What local officials are saying

Local officials from throughout the state released comments applauding the bill shortly after its introduction.

"People don’t care about jurisdiction, they care about results,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “The sooner we can get people indoors and away from dangerous off-ramps, the better for them and the entire community.”

"Addressing homelessness requires strong coordination between state and local governments,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley. “By establishing dedicated liaisons and funding joint action plans, we can move beyond short-term cleanups and toward sustainable solutions that connect people with the resources they need. This is a smart, responsible approach to tackling a complex issue, and I strongly support its passage."

“Our cities are on the frontlines tackling the challenge of homelessness, and coordination with the Department of Transportation is essential to addressing the crisis,” said Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson.

“As Buena Park is situated between both the I-5 and SR-91 freeways, it is important for the city to have a strong relationship with Caltrans to address homeless encampments as they rise,” said Buena Park Mayor Joyce Ahn. “Although we currently have a good relationship with Caltrans, we believe that we can improve our efforts with enhanced communication and collaboration to better serve our most vulnerable residents.”

“It is critical that Caltrans works collaboratively with local jurisdictions throughout the state to prevent and address encampments,” said Martinez Police Chief Andrew White. “This legislation breaks down jurisdictional barriers that are invisible to the general public. It also provides uniformity across the state for all impacted jurisdictions.”

What’s next?

Lawmakers have introduced over 2,300 bills this year, including measures sponsored by Cal Cities that would reduce fire risk near urban communities and address longstanding concerns over recovery homes, as well as take on unlicensed short-term rental operators, copper wire theft that impacts public infrastructure, and forever chemicals. For more information about Cal Cities’ bill package, including how to support them, contact your regional public affairs manager.