Judge Voices Concern Over Los Angeles’ Homelessness Settlement Compliance
A federal judge expressed serious concerns today about the City of Los Angeles’ progress in fulfilling the terms of a settlement agreement aimed at addressing the region’s homelessness crisis, potentially impacting the lives of tens of thousands of unhoused individuals.
During a hearing in Los Angeles federal court, U.S. District Judge David Carter heard complaints from the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights regarding what they allege is the city’s lack of cooperation and slow pace in meeting its obligations. In a June order, Judge Carter stated the city has demonstrated “a consistent lack of cooperation and responsiveness — an unwillingness to provide documentation unless compelled by court order or media scrutiny.” The Alliance alleges the city has been slow to provide updated plans, meet milestones, and verify reporting, wasting resources.
While stopping short of declaring a breach of the settlement or appointing a receiver to enforce compliance – a request made by the plaintiffs – Judge Carter did set an evidentiary hearing for November 19th. The settlement, reached in 2022 with the city and in 2023 with Los Angeles County, requires the county to provide 3,000 additional mental health and substance abuse treatment beds by the end of 2025 and the city to produce 12,915 shelter beds by June 2027, with over 3,800 still needed. An independent audit revealed the city’s homeless response is hampered by outdated systems and a lack of accountability.
“Plaintiffs in this case ask the court to declare the system irreparably broken,” Judge Carter wrote in a 62-page order, “But the court is not a policymaker. Its role is narrower, but no less vital: to uphold the promises made to the public, to enforce the agreements signed, and to ensure transparency and accountability in their execution.” The judge has ordered quarterly hearings to monitor the city’s progress, stating, “The court wants the city to succeed. Because when the system fails, people die. And when it works — even slowly — lives are saved.”
Judge Carter indicated he will continue to monitor the situation closely and expects the city to demonstrate improved transparency and cooperation moving forward.
