As cities look for solutions to rising rates of homelessness, a growing number have ramped up encampment clearings. But Phoenix and Oakland, California, introduced updated strategic plans last month that prioritize prevention and permanent housing as a way through the crisis.
Both cities have seen increases in homelessness in recent years — Phoenix’s unsheltered homeless population grew by 28% last year, and Oakland’s grew by 9% from 2022 to 2024 — and both recently established dedicated offices for homeless solutions.
In a draft of its homeless action plan, introduced last week, Oakland’s Office of Homeless Solutions outlined goals to reduce homelessness 50% by 2031. The plan noted a 92% success rate for permanent housing efforts and aims to provide an additional 3,630 units or vouchers over the next five years. The overall plan has a funding goal of $406 million annually, with $122 million to potentially come from the city and county…