LA County Sales Tax Increase Funds Homeless Services, New Agency Established

Sales Tax Increase for Homeless Services

• 💰 A quarter-cent sales tax increase is now in effect in LA County, raising the rate to 9.75% from 9.5%.
• 📈 This tax is projected to generate over a billion dollars annually specifically for homeless services.

New County Homeless Agency

• 🏛️ The LA County Board of Supervisors voted to establish a new county agency to oversee the Measure A funds.
• 🎯 This new agency will also take over millions of dollars previously allocated to the LA City's homeless Services Agency (LASSA).
• ⚠️ The move follows scathing audits alleging LASSA mismanaged funds.

Transition and Accountability Concerns

• 🔄 Supervisors state that LASSA functions and positions will not disappear but will be transitioned into county oversight.
• ❓ LA City Council members and the public express concern about moving money from one bureaucracy to another.
• 📊 Questions are raised about establishing metrics for accountability within the new county agency, such as tracking individuals from street to temporary and permanent housing.
• 🗓️ While the county aims for the new agency to be operational by January 1st, concerns remain about whether the proposed accountability metrics will be in place.

City's Displeasure

• 😠 The Mayor and most LA City Council members are unhappy with the county's decision, believing it was not handled appropriately.
• ✅ Despite city objections, the county is standing by its decision to implement the new agency and tax oversight.