Board requests CAO study feasibility of regionwide audit of homeless spending

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors asked the chief administrative officer to prepare options for a feasibility study on a regionwide audit of homelessness-related spending.

Supervisor Desmond introduced the request, citing the California State Auditor's recent report that found more than $24 billion spent statewide on homelessness between 2018 and 2023 and concluding that lack of oversight and measurable outcomes is preventing progress. "If we can follow the money, we can find out where progress has been made and where it hasn't," Desmond said.

Public commenters were split: some called for an independent audit by outside reviewers rather than a politically led subcommittee; others recommended rapid, low-cost housing solutions. John Brady, a lived-experience adviser, urged including people with lived experience and suggested AI-augmented case management in future planning. Several callers emphasized the need for transparency about where funds are spent and the metrics attached to programs.

Board members asked staff to consider prior county work (the 2020 enterprise-wide homelessness assessment and Deloitte analysis), foundations' efforts and potential duplication. The board directed the CAO to report back with options for a collaborative feasibility study; the clerk recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

The CAO's report-back will be expected to clarify whether an independent audit is needed, identify barriers to accessing information, and propose partners or methodologies for a regionwide accounting of homelessness spending.