Committee presses for clearer Measure A spending plan, approves oversight and reporting motions

A City Council homelessness committee on March 5 discussed draft spending recommendations for Measure A, approved several procedural motions and directed staff to produce reports and a short‑term oversight structure to improve coordination and contracting for homelessness services.

The committee’s discussion focused on how the county’s proposed distribution of Measure A funds could reduce local funding for prevention, outreach and navigation services even as allocations for interim and permanent housing rise. Committee members and county representatives warned those shifts could make it harder to reach the measure’s goals without improved data, contracting changes and stronger coordination between the city and the county.

Committee member Monica Rodríguez introduced a motion asking the City Administrative Officer (CLA), with assistance from the chief operating officer and the Department of Housing, to report on how the city could directly contract with service providers now funded through LAHSA and other regional agreements. The committee approved that request in a voice/roll call vote: three in favor, zero opposed, two absent.

The committee also approved a separate motion to establish a time‑limited performance office inside the Department of Housing to monitor outcomes, coordinate cross‑agency data and speed placements into housing. The motion advanced after members cited vacancy rates and long fill times for units, and it passed on a…