Fontana, CA — In a landmark show of unity and coordination, local and federal officials gathered in Fontana last week to advance a major regional solution to homelessness in the Inland Empire.

William Spencer, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), met with West End San Bernardino County mayors and County Supervisors Curt Hagman and Jesse Armendarez for a roundtable hosted by Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren.

Spencer, appointed by President Donald J. Trump, oversees HUD’s Region IX, which includes California and other western states and U.S. territories.

The central focus of the discussion was the Inland Empire Navigation Center, a planned facility aimed at addressing homelessness through low-barrier access to housing and a range of supportive services, including mental health care, substance use treatment, job training and permanent housing placement.

“This roundtable was a powerful example of what can happen when local leaders come together with urgency and purpose,” Spencer said in a press release. “The mayors and county officials here in the Inland Empire are tackling homelessness head-on with real solutions. HUD is proud to be a partner in this effort.”

According to officials, the Navigation Center will reduce strain on emergency services while offering coordinated care for the region’s most vulnerable populations.

Participating cities have jointly developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with San Bernardino County to streamline funding and oversight.

That MOU will accompany the formal request to HUD for federal support.

Spencer signaled his full commitment, directing his team to begin reviewing local housing policy recommendations submitted by city and county leaders.

Fontana Mayor Warren emphasized the collaboration on display.

“This is what partnership looks like—local leadership, county support and federal commitment coming together to deliver results,” she said. “The Navigation Center will be a model for the state and the nation.”

Supervisor Armendarez echoed that sentiment.

“This Navigation Center reflects exactly the kind of regional partnership we need to truly tackle homelessness,” he said. “I’m proud to stand with our cities, our county, and HUD to move this project forward and deliver real results for our residents.”

Supervisor Hagman underscored the significance of the unified approach.

“This roundtable proved what we’ve long known: when all levels of government work together, real solutions emerge,” Hagman said. “We stand united and ready to take action.”

Mayors from Chino, Chino Hills, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland also participated and voiced strong support for the initiative.

“We’ve been working together for over a year, and this meeting with HUD confirmed that our voices are being heard at the national level,” said Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa.

“Homelessness is a regional crisis that demands a regional response,” said Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett. “HUD’s engagement is a promising sign that we’re moving in the right direction.”

Montclair Mayor John Dutrey added, “The Navigation Center is more than a shelter—it’s a pathway to housing, jobs and self-sufficiency. It’s the model we need.”

“I’m proud to be part of a team that’s done more than just talk,” said Ontario Mayor Paul Leon. “We’re building the solutions—now with federal backing.”

Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Dennis Michael pointed to the broader impact.

“When we coordinate as a region, we can make meaningful change. This project will uplift lives across the Inland Empire.”

Upland Mayor Bill Velto summed up the collective will behind the effort.

“Homelessness isn’t a one-city problem, and it won’t have a one-city solution,” he said. “This collaboration shows how serious we are about making a difference.”

The Inland Empire Navigation Center is expected to serve as a national model, with leaders across jurisdictions vowing continued cooperation and commitment to long-term solutions.