Los Angeles Homeless Population Rises Amid Agency Mismanagement

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass acknowledged a 3.5% rise in the city's unhoused population on July 23, 2026, reversing two years of decline. Bass attributed the increase to a $70 million state funding cut and federal policy changes under the Trump administration that she claims raised living costs and slashed safety net funding. She also cited a lack of adequate services provided by Los Angeles County.

The announcement comes as the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) prepares to release the official 2026 homeless count on July 24. The agency is currently undergoing a forced administrative shift after Los Angeles County launched the Homeless Services and Housing Department on July 1 to seize control of service contracts and funding. This transition follows a November 2024 audit revealing financial irregularities and a June 2026 suspension of federal funding by HUD Secretary Scott Turner, who cited false statements and irresponsible actions by LAHSA.

While a U.S. District Court judge recently stayed the federal funding freeze, both Bass and County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath have expressed concerns over LAHSA's mismanagement. The current political climate is further strained as Bass campaigns for reelection against City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who chairs the city's housing and homelessness committee.