The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County urges the County and incorporated Cities to address housing and homelessness as a priority goal as they develop their work plans for the coming budget cycle. As part of this goal, we ask that they take part in developing and approving the Regional Compact on Homelessness as a basis for coordinating the work countywide.
In August 2022 the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors adopted the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness: 2022-2027. The goal of this 5-year plan is to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness by 50% over current levels. To achieve this goal it is essential that the provision of housing and services be coordinated. Lack of coordination in the current system has caused duplication of efforts, competition for resources, service gaps, and an inability to manage efforts effectively across the County.
A Regional Compact for Homelessness will enable the County and Cities to allocate responsibilities and resources efficiently. Each jurisdiction will have input on this process to ensure that the burdens and benefits are fairly shared.
Right now, as jurisdictions in SLO County are going through goal setting and adopting work plans for the current budget cycle, each jurisdiction should adopt housing and homelessness, including a plan to join the Regional Compact on Homelessness, as a priority goal. Homelessness is the critical social issue of our day and one that the county and cities must address together.
We urge all residents to ask their city councils to include the Regional Compact on Homelessness in their plans.
Cindy Marie Absey, President
League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County