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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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