Council accepts third-year update showing staff-reported decline in homelessness and outlines follow-up review

City staff presented a third-year update on Santa Rosaity's five-year homelessness strategic plan, reporting progress on placements and ongoing concerns about one-time funding and forthcoming budget pressures.

"Este plan estratégico tenía un periodo de 5 años, empezando en enero 2023 a diciembre 2027," Sasha Brown, program specialist for community housing services, told the council. Brown said the city has tracked a drop in the measured homeless population from roughly 1,650 in 2022 to about 1,140 in 2025, a 31% decline over the first three years of the plan.

Staff described investments the city and regional partners have made, including roughly $75 million invested across two years and completion of about 500 affordable housing units, with approximately 80 units dedicated as supportive housing for people exiting homelessness. Brown and colleagues said some one-time funds have nearly been exhausted and staff will pursue additional state and federal resources; they also noted an application in process for round-5 camp funds with an anticipated June 30 award date.

Councilmembers asked for a clearer breakdown of the portion of those investments that come from Santa Rosa's budget versus outside grants; staff said the city's internal budget for homelessness services is approximately $4.3 million and that the larger project financing relies heavily on outside sources and one-time disaster-recovery funds. Council asked staff to provide the requested breakdown as part of budget planning.

Councilmember Ba1uelos moved to receive the report and advance the staff implementation recommendations; the motion passed 5-0.

Staff emphasized that although placements and reduced encampments show progress, continuing operations will require new funding commitments and regional coordination.