Bipartisan Coalition of Mayors Advocate for National Solutions
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Task Force on Homelessness, alongside USCM President Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock, is spearheading a bipartisan coalition of nearly 50 mayors from 18 states to address the nationwide homelessness crisis. The delegation is representing over 17 million people in Washington, D.C., to advocate for national solutions.
The delegation outlined their advocacy goals to White House officials and Cabinet Secretaries, part of the USCM Task Force on Homelessness’ legislative agenda:
- Expanding veteran eligibility for housing vouchers to ensure veterans don’t have to choose between benefits and housing.
- Removing the cap on project-based vouchers will allow cities to construct more affordable and supportive housing.
- Calling for increased funding for housing choice vouchers.
Phil Brock stated, in an emailed statement, “I’m in Washington DC with a mayoral delegation from across the United States to add needed resources to the Battle Against Homelessness. In addition to the objectives stated on the 23 pages contained within the two links below, I will also work to expand streetside mental health personnel, with the objective of moving those who cannot help themselves into centers where they can be assisted in regaining their lives. Corresponding with this goal is the aim to remand those with serious illegal drug use into rehab centers. It is not compassionate to leave homeless individuals on our streets to die or to raise havoc and disturb the peace in our community and across the nation.”
The delegation met with key cabinet members, including Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Secretary Denis McDonough of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Members of the delegation also met with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise to discuss their shared bipartisan approach on veteran homelessness. The delegation also met with Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.
Tomorrow, the delegation will meet with Congressional leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Sherrod Brown, Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, to pursue legislative changes as well as
The Mayors will speak at a press conference at the House Triangle on May 1 at 1:00 p.m. EST. The event, sponsored by Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Mark Takano, will take place at the House Triangle.
