Where’s the Accountability in Addressing Homelessness?

Los Angeles is a city of ambition, resilience, and innovation, but when it comes to tackling the homelessness crisis, we’ve fallen painfully short. The recent audits of LAHSA and city homelessness programs have exposed glaring failures in leadership, accountability, and the efficient use of public funds.

These failures aren’t just bureaucratic missteps—they have real-world consequences for the individuals and families living on our streets, for the businesses struggling to thrive, and for the neighborhoods trying to stay vibrant and safe.

Audits Expose a Broken System

The audits paint a troubling picture:

• Unaccounted Funds: LAHSA has only recovered $2.5 million of $50.8 million in Measure H funds advanced in 2017-18. Millions more remain untracked from various programs between 2016 and 2023.

• Documentation Gaps: A sample audit revealed $5 million advanced to contractors lacked proper documentation.

• Inefficiency in Action: The city of Los Angeles left over $500 million unspent in its $1.3 billion homelessness budget last year, leaving resources unused while thousands remained unsheltered.

These findings aren’t just numbers—they’re evidence of a system unable to meet the scale of the crisis.

Where Is the Accountability?

One of the most troubling aspects of these audits is the lack of consequences for past mismanagement. Former leaders at LAHSA and other agencies have exited their roles without facing accountability for the millions of dollars misappropriated or left unspent.

This isn’t acceptable. In any other sector, such failures would result in investigations, firings, or legal repercussions. Why are our public institutions allowed to operate without the same level of scrutiny? Accountability isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of trust and progress.

My Recommendations for Addressing Homelessness

In my forthcoming book, Property Management Excellence, I outline a strategic framework for addressing homelessness that combines practical solutions with compassionate action. Here are a few key recommendations, tailored to the local Los Angeles market:

1. Public-Private Partnerships: Government agencies must collaborate with the private sector to unlock resources and innovation. This includes incentives for developers to build affordable housing and streamlined processes for nonprofits to access funding.

2. Integrated Services: Addressing homelessness requires more than housing; it requires a holistic approach. Mental health care, job training, addiction recovery, and access to basic needs like showers and meals must be integrated into housing programs.

3. Accountability in Leadership: Agencies managing public funds must adopt transparent, measurable goals. Leaders must be held accountable for outcomes, just as they would be in the private sector.

4. Reducing Red Tape: The bureaucracy around building affordable housing must be streamlined. Mayor Bass’ Executive Directive 1 (ED1) was a bold step forward, expediting affordable housing projects. However, the City Council’s proposed amendments threaten to undermine its effectiveness. These amendments must be reconsidered if we are serious about increasing supply.

5. Fixing the Voucher System: The current system often leaves voucher recipients waiting over six months for approval to rent a unit. With so few available units in the market, this delay means many vouchers go unused. We need reforms that shorten approval times and incentivize landlords to participate, ensuring vouchers fulfill their intended purpose.

6. Embracing Technology: Data-driven solutions can optimize resource allocation and track progress. Real-time data systems can ensure that funding reaches those who need it most and services are delivered effectively.
   

These recommendations are not theoretical. They are actionable strategies that have the potential to change lives and transform our city.

The Path Forward

Los Angeles deserves better. The thousands of Angelenos experiencing homelessness deserve better. But fixing this crisis requires bold action:

• Holding leaders accountable for mismanagement, past and present.

• Implementing transparent systems for tracking and utilizing public funds.

• Protecting initiatives like ED1 that remove barriers to building affordable housing.

• Reforming the voucher system so it works efficiently for recipients and landlords.

• Inviting the private sector and nonprofits into meaningful partnerships that deliver real results.

This isn’t about assigning blame—it’s about fixing a broken system and restoring faith in our ability to address this crisis effectively.

Homelessness isn’t just a government problem. It’s a community problem. It affects every single one of us. As someone deeply involved in housing and property management, I know the potential for change when the public and private sectors work together.

Now is the time for action, accountability, and innovation. Let’s commit to doing what it takes to create real, lasting change.

If you’re ready to be part of the solution, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How can we push for the accountability and collaboration our city so desperately needs?

Together, we can rebuild trust and create a city where everyone has a place to call home.