Los Angeles County recorded 73,040 unhoused individuals in 2026, marking a 1.2% increase. Within the city of Los Angeles, the homeless population rose by 3.4%, reaching 45,194 people. This data, released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), underscores a persistent and growing crisis within the region.
The escalating numbers have drawn significant political attention. Republican gubernatorial candidates for California‘s 2026 election have begun touring critical areas, including Skid Row, to highlight the ongoing challenges and criticize existing policies.
Skid Row: A Persistent Epicenter of Crisis
Skid Row remains a concentrated area of homelessness in Los Angeles. The district has seen a notable increase in its unhoused population during 2026, reflecting the broader county and city trends. This area serves as a stark visual representation of the city’s struggle to manage its growing homeless population.
The Skid Row Care Campus, a taxpayer-funded facility intended to provide services, has faced criticism. Reports indicate issues such as open drug use and a surge in violent crime in its immediate vicinity. These conditions raise questions about the effectiveness and management of current intervention strategies.
Political Scrutiny and Gubernatorial Campaigns
The state of homelessness in Los Angeles has become a central theme in the 2026 California gubernatorial race. Republican candidates are leveraging the crisis to challenge the efficacy of Democratic governance in the state’s largest urban centers.
Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, is a prominent GOP gubernatorial candidate. His campaign has focused on issues of public safety and urban decay, often linking these to the homelessness crisis. Bianco’s tours of areas like Skid Row are intended to draw a contrast with current state leadership.
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and British political strategist, is another Republican rival in the gubernatorial contest. Hilton has also visited Skid Row, using the tours to amplify his critiques of Democratic policies. His commentary often targets what he describes as failed progressive approaches to social issues.
Leadership Challenges and Agency Critiques
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) has been at the center of much of the criticism. LAHSA is the primary agency responsible for coordinating homelessness services in Los Angeles County. Its recent reports indicate a continued upward trend in homelessness despite significant public investment.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stepped down from LAHSA’s board, publicly stating that the agency was “broken.” This high-profile resignation from a key Democratic leader signals deep dissatisfaction with the current operational framework and effectiveness of the authority. Mayor Bass’s departure underscores the internal recognition of systemic issues within the city’s approach to homelessness.
The critiques from both political figures and city leadership suggest a consensus that current strategies are not yielding desired results. The ongoing increase in homelessness figures, coupled with visible issues in service provision areas like the Skid Row Care Campus, fuels public debate and demands for new solutions.
The Broader Context of Urban Homelessness
The situation in Los Angeles is part of a larger national conversation about urban homelessness. Factors contributing to the crisis include housing affordability, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and economic disparities. The concentration of these issues in major cities like Los Angeles presents unique challenges for local and state governments.
Critics argue that current policies often focus on temporary solutions rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness. The debate frequently centers on whether the emphasis should be on housing-first initiatives, increased law enforcement, mental health services, or a combination of these approaches. The political divide often reflects differing philosophies on how best to tackle these complex societal problems.
As the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches, the handling of the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles will likely remain a significant campaign issue. Candidates will continue to present their visions for reform, while the unhoused population continues to navigate daily challenges on the city’s streets.
Looking Ahead: Policy Debates and Public Expectations
The ongoing crisis in Los Angeles demands a re-evaluation of existing strategies. Public pressure mounts for effective solutions that can reverse the trend of increasing homelessness. The political discourse surrounding Skid Row and LAHSA reflects a broader public desire for accountability and tangible progress.
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Gubernatorial candidates offer competing visions. City leaders seek new pathways. The unhoused population waits.
Los Angeles.
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Frequently asked questions
How many unhoused people are in Los Angeles County in 2026?
In 2026, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) reported that Los Angeles County has 73,040 unhoused people. This represents a 1.2% increase from the previous year, indicating a continuing rise in the homeless population across the county.
What is the status of homelessness in the city of Los Angeles in 2026?
The city of Los Angeles recorded 45,194 unhoused individuals in 2026, according to LAHSA data. This figure marks a 3.4% increase within the city limits, highlighting the persistent challenges the urban core faces in addressing its homeless crisis.
Why did Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass resign from the LAHSA board?
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass resigned from the board of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) citing that the agency was "broken." Her resignation underscored significant dissatisfaction with the agency's effectiveness and operational framework in addressing the city's growing homelessness crisis.
Who are the GOP gubernatorial candidates touring Skid Row in 2026?
Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, and Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator, are two prominent GOP gubernatorial candidates for California's 2026 election who have toured Skid Row. Their visits are part of their campaigns to criticize current Democratic policies on homelessness and public safety.
What criticisms have been raised about the Skid Row Care Campus?
The Skid Row Care Campus, a taxpayer-funded homeless services facility, has faced criticism regarding its operational environment. Reports indicate issues such as open drug use and a surge in violent crime in the vicinity of the campus, raising concerns about its effectiveness and safety.
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