HomeMy WebLinkAboutSB 569 (Blakespear) Homeless Encampment Collaboration Act - City of SLO - SupportCity of San Luis Obispo, Office of the City Council, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114, slocity.org
June 17, 2025
The Honorable Lori Wilson
Chair, Assembly Committee on Transportation
1020 N Street, Suite 112
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 569 (Blakespear) Department of Transportation: homeless encampments.
Notice of SUPPORT
Dear Assemblymember Wilson,
The City of San Luis Obispo (City) is pleased to support SB 569 (Blakespear), which would strengthen
coordination between the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and local governments in
addressing encampments located on state-owned property.
In November 2024, the governor issued an executive order that directed state departments and
agencies to adopt policies to address homeless encampments on state properties and encouraged
local governments to do the same. Cities like San Luis Obispo have made significant progress in
addressing encampments and connecting individuals to services. Many of our most challenging and
hazardous encampment areas are located within Caltrans rights-of-way, making sustained
collaboration and communication essential. The City has a strong working relationship with our
District 5 Caltrans partners and the California Highway Patrol, with quarterly coordination meetings
that have been critical to managing encampments in our community.
Despite our ongoing coordination, the City remains concerned about the impact of recent and
potential future reductions in Caltrans’ budget for encampment response. These funding constraints
risk impeding our ability to maintain safe conditions and connect individuals experiencing
homelessness with the shelter and services needed.
SB 569 addresses these issues by requiring Caltrans to develop localized plans, establish district
advisory committees, streamline processes, and secure necessary funding. These measures would
meaningfully support the City’s efforts and improve outcomes for unsheltered individuals.
For these reasons, the City of San Luis Obispo supports SB 569 and its goal of fostering effective,
coordinated, and adequately resourced encampment response strategies.
Sincerely,
Erica A. Stewart
Mayor
City of San Luis Obispo
Cc: Assembly Committee on Transportation
Senator Catherine Blakespear
Assemblymember Dawn Addis
Senator John Laird
Dave Mullinax, League of California Cities
League of California Cities, cityletters@cacities.org