In a groundbreaking move, the Los Angeles City Council has agreed to pay an outside firm $2.2 million to audit its own programs aimed at tackling the homelessness crisis. This decision comes in the wake of a federal judge’s request for an independent audit of the city’s homelessness programs, citing a lack of significant progress in recent years.
The audit was prompted by a lawsuit filed by the LA Alliance for Human Rights, which accused the city of failing to meet its 2020 settlement agreement to build shelters and address homeless encampments. The coalition demanded sanctions against the city and up to $6.4 million in penalties for not fulfilling the terms of the agreement.
Daniel Conway, a spokesperson for the LA Alliance, emphasized the need for transparency in how taxpayer dollars are being spent on homeless services. With the homeless population in California continuing to rise, reaching 181,000 in 2023, there is a growing urgency to address the root causes of homelessness, such as drug addiction and mental illness.
The audit will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current programs and how funding is being utilized. It is a critical step towards holding local governments accountable for their efforts to combat homelessness and ensuring that resources are being allocated efficiently to make a meaningful impact on the crisis.
