County Quotes: CSAC Leaders Front and Center on Homelessness, Prop 36, State Budget 

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By
Ben Adler, Rachael Serrao
Date Published
May 22, 2025

California’s counties are making headlines on the top issues that matter to voters as CSAC leverages media attention to push our advocacy efforts forward.

“We didn’t see eye to eye on Prop 36, but we both agree on this: nearly 70% of Californians voted yes, and the state budget must reflect the will of the people,” said San Luis Obispo County Supervisor and Immediate Past President Bruce Gibson alongside Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond. “Every county is starting from a different place. Some need to scale up treatment programs, others need more staff or facilities — but all need flexible, reliable funding to implement Prop 36 effectively. That’s the only way to turn the promise of this measure into real, on-the-ground results.”

On housing issues, Santa Clara County Supervisor and CSAC First Vice President Susan Ellenberg emphasized the need for steamlined processes. “California counties support both CEQA-streamlining bills [SB 607 (Wiener) and AB 609 (Wicks)] that the state may fold into its budget package,” she said. “Counties would also like to see streamlined development processes for transitional and permanent supportive housing projects so people experiencing homelessness can more quickly get into long-term housing and receive any needed support.”

The county voice is gaining traction in the press. A recent Davis Vanguard article echoed county concerns that, while the state’s proposed CEQA reforms are welcome, they fall short without long-term funding for housing and treatment programs, particularly under Prop 36. Meanwhile, the East Bay Times shared Dan Walters criticism of the state for demanding results from local governments while failing to provide the sustained support needed to deliver them — underscoring a growing frustration among counties being asked to do more with less.

At the same time, POLITICO’s California Playbook spotlighted CSAC’s rollout of the AT HOME pilot – a targeted, county-led proposal designed to reduce homelessness through clear accountability, outcomes, and flexible local partnerships. Read the proposal here.

CSAC President and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths put it plainly: “For years, the state has thrown one-time money at this problem without any real strategy. Our AT HOME proposal is credible, comprehensive, and directly addresses the state-imposed barriers to reducing homelessness. It’s time to act.”

CSAC Second Vice President and Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo added, “Counties believe it’s not enough to lay out problems. While others point fingers, we’re doing the hard work of crafting smart policy solutions to this crisis. Our county is ready to show Californians what’s possible when the state and local governments work in concert. We call on leaders at all levels of government to join us.”

Counties are not just calling out gaps — they’re filling them.

Now is the time for action. CSAC urges all county supervisors to:

  • Meet with your legislative delegation to express concern over the lack of Prop 36 and homelessness funding.
  • Share the AT HOME pilot as a viable, outcomes-based solution ready for state investment.
  • Keep the pressure on. Use your voice in the media, online, and in Sacramento to ensure counties have the tools they need to serve their communities.

The message is clear: Counties are ready to lead — but we cannot be expected to do it alone.

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