California is expanding its partnership with local governments to remove homeless encampments along state highways, adding Ontario, San Bernardino and San Diego to a growing statewide program aimed at improving public safety while connecting people experiencing homelessness with housing and supportive services.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the three new Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreements on July 28, bringing the total number of participating cities to 13. Under the agreements, the state reimburses local agencies that work with the California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, to remove encampments and maintain state highway rights-of-way.
The partnerships are part of the state’s broader strategy to address homelessness through coordinated efforts between state and local governments. Participating cities must follow state policies and reporting requirements to qualify for reimbursement of eligible cleanup costs.
“Our partnerships must continue delivering results, helping keep roadways clean and addressing the very real issues of homelessness in our state,” said Newsom. “By pairing historic state investments with local-level coordination, we are helping communities across California create safer, healthier places for everyone.”
Under the agreements, local governments can remove encampments, collect litter and debris, manage vegetation and remove graffiti along state highways. State officials said encampments that pose risks to public health and safety remain the highest priority during cleanup operations.
According to the governor’s office, Caltrans has removed nearly 26,500 encampments and collected approximately 457,000 cubic yards of litter and debris from state highway rights-of-way since July 2021. Similar agreements are already in place with San Francisco, Claremont, Commerce, Fresno, Paramount, Riverside, Santa Ana, Santa Fe Springs, San Jose and Santa Monica.
California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said partnerships between state and local agencies strengthen efforts to improve safety while expanding pathways to housing and supportive services. Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said the agreements combine state resources with local expertise to improve conditions for people experiencing homelessness and the traveling public.
The announcement comes as the Newsom administration continues to highlight investments in homelessness programs, behavioral health services and permanent supportive housing. State officials said California recently recorded its largest reduction in unsheltered homelessness in more than 15 years and continues to expand shelter and housing options as part of its long-term strategy to reduce homelessness statewide.
