California Gov. Gavin Newsom is creating a task force on homelessness as the state grapples with a housing crisis.

The Democratic governor made the announcement Tuesday in Oakland, where county officials reported last week that the number of people experiencing homelessness increased 43 percent over the last two years.

Newsom described homelessness as an epidemic of statewide concern but says it will be best addressed at the local level.

In this photo taken on Friday, May 17, 2019, a woman smokes a cigarette outside a homeless encampment in Oakland, Calif. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is creating a task force on homelessness as the state grapples with a housing crisis. Speaking Tuesday, May 21, in Oakland, Newsom described homelessness as an epidemic of statewide concern but says it will be best addressed at the local level. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)
In this photo taken on Friday, May 17, 2019, a woman smokes a cigarette outside a homeless encampment in Oakland, Calif. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is creating a task force on homelessness as the state grapples with a housing crisis. Speaking Tuesday, May 21, in Oakland, Newsom described homelessness as an epidemic of statewide concern but says it will be best addressed at the local level. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)

The governor says the task force will work with local governments to develop regional plans for addressing homelessness. He tapped Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to lead the group.

Newsom also is proposing the state increase spending on homelessness, calling for $1 billion in next year’s budget to address the issue.

In this photo taken Friday, May 17, 2019, a man declaring himself to be homeless, waits to panhandle drivers stopped at a traffic signal on Broadway in Oakland, Calif. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is creating a task force on homelessness as the state grapples with a housing crisis. Speaking Tuesday, May 21, in Oakland, Newsom described homelessness as an epidemic of statewide concern but says it will be best addressed at the local level. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
In this photo taken Friday, May 17, 2019, a man declaring himself to be homeless, waits to panhandle drivers stopped at a traffic signal on Broadway in Oakland, Calif. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is creating a task force on homelessness as the state grapples with a housing crisis. Speaking Tuesday, May 21, in Oakland, Newsom described homelessness as an epidemic of statewide concern but says it will be best addressed at the local level. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Tags:

Sign up to receive our latest news!

By submitting this form, I agree to the terms.