A federal judge has ruled that Los Angeles must pay over $1.8 million to various organizations following a lawsuit regarding the city’s homelessness crisis response. The L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, alongside other groups, initiated the lawsuit in 2020 to compel city officials to enhance shelter provisions for the unhoused population.
Background of the Lawsuit
The plaintiffs, consisting of business owners and residents, argued that the city has not adequately addressed the homelessness issue. In 2022, the city reached a settlement with these organizations. However, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter has since monitored the city’s compliance with the settlement terms.
Judge’s Findings
Judge Carter found that Los Angeles had violated several aspects of this agreement. One significant shortcoming was the city’s failure to present a plan to create 12,915 shelter beds by 2027, as previously promised. Furthermore, the city was accused of neglecting its duty to provide accurate and comprehensive data when requested, ultimately impacting its accountability.
Financial Implications
- Attorneys’ fees awarded to L.A. Alliance: $1.6 million
- Additional costs to L.A. Alliance: $5,000
- Fees to Los Angeles Catholic Worker and Community Action Network: $200,000
- Costs to the latter organizations: $160
These fees highlighted a contrast to the legal costs incurred by the city, which amounted to approximately $5.9 million paid to outside counsel.
Reactions to the Ruling
In his ruling, Judge Carter remarked on the necessity of compensating the plaintiffs and intervenors for their role in maintaining oversight of the city’s compliance with reporting requirements. He emphasized that journalists and intervenors were instrumental in spotlighting the city’s reporting deficiencies.
Shayla Myers, from the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, expressed the crucial role of intervenors in advocating for the unhoused. She noted that their participation was vital, even without compensation. Meanwhile, attorney Matthew Umhofer of the L.A. Alliance praised the court’s decision as a step toward holding the city accountable.
The City’s Appeal
In response to the court’s ruling, the city has filed an appeal. The city attorney’s office did not provide comments regarding the appeal. Umhofer expressed concerns about the city’s strategy of employing extensive legal resources to resist accountability.
Upcoming Proceedings
A federal court hearing is scheduled for Monday in downtown Los Angeles. The focus will be on whether the city should be held in contempt of court for ongoing delays in meeting court-ordered obligations. Judge Carter has expressed concerns about the city’s “continuous pattern of delay” in fulfilling its responsibilities under the settlement agreement.
