LA City Council seeks strategy to phase out its homelessness emergency declaration

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a motion directing staff to lay out a transition plan for ending the city’s homelessness emergency declaration, citing a need to restore the council’s full oversight and legislative authority.

The emergency declaration, enacted in December 2022 on Mayor Karen Bass’ first day in office, granted her authority to bypass bureaucratic hurdles — allowing for no-bid contracts, fast-tracked housing approvals, and the rapid acquisition...