The dismantling of the region’s lead homeless services agency accelerated this month, with LA County’s new Department of Homeless Services and Housing emerging as the center of the regional system. Mayor Karen Bass stepped down from the LAHSA Commission on September 9, saying the joint city-county governance model is not functional. Days later, the Ninth Circuit stayed the August court order that had protected LAHSA’s access to federal funding, and on September 15 LAHSA’s board voted not to compete in the County’s RFQ process for its remaining core duties. The County has already shifted over $300 million in Measure A funding to its new department. For providers, contracting and the region’s federal funding application are consolidating under County control, with a federal status conference set for October 27.

Los Angeles County voters will consider Measure E, which would change how some major County spending decisions are approved. The measure would require voter approval for certain spending actions instead of leaving those decisions entirely to the Board of Supervisors through the normal budget process. Supporters argue that the change would increase accountability over County finances, while critics say it could make it harder for the County to respond quickly to changing budget needs. The measure could affect how future funding is approved for public services, contracts, infrastructure, health programs, and other County priorities.