San Jose Mayor Mahan finds common ground with Trump on response to homelessness

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan endorses Donald Trump's recent executive order that seeks to combat homelessness by prioritizing treatment over housing. The order calls for funding to support cities that implement bans on homeless encampments and drug use in public spaces. Mahan's controversial strategy includes arresting homeless individuals who repeatedly refuse shelter, aiming to funnel them into the county's behavioral court system. Critics, including Sandy Perry of the South Bay Community Land Trust, argue that such tactics mischaracterize the root causes of homelessness, which are primarily linked to a lack of affordable housing. Despite increased efforts, San Jose's overall homeless population has risen by 237, totaling 6,503 residents.

Mahan notes that effective solutions require a focus on mental health and addiction treatment. The city has ramped up encampment sweeps, clearing more than 500 camps last fiscal year, reflecting a significant policy shift. Critics warn that these measures could exacerbate the issue by diverting funds from affordable housing initiatives.