Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
LA Mayor Picks New Top Advisor On Homelessness and Housing
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass speaks at a news conference on May 31, 2023, in Los Angeles.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is bringing on someone new to be her top advisor on homelessness. Lourdes Castro Ramirez, who oversees much of the state’s homelessness and housing spending, will start as Bass’ chief of housing and homelessness on Nov. 6.
Why the change: The mayor’s current homelessness czar, Mercedes Marquez, has been in the role since Bass started as mayor in December and will stay on as an advisor to assist the transition. In a statement, Bass’ office said the job change was planned “due to federal retiree rules” without explaining further. (Marquez used to work for the federal government.)
Key quote: “We must continue our momentum and progress in confronting the emergency of this homelessness crisis, and I am excited to be bringing Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez to continue our transformative work on this issue,” Bass said.
The background: Bass has taken on homelessness as her main concern, with her Inside Safe program bringing 1,600 people into motels and hotels. But she’s run into challenges finding long-term solutions. Only about 1% of people in the program have been able to find permanent supportive housing.
HOMELESSNESS FAQ
How did we get here? Who’s in charge of what? And where can people get help?
- Read answers to common questions around homelessness in the L.A. region.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
