Solving the Homeless Crisis with Compassion + Accountability

3.Preparing for the End of the Warren Settlement

I believe compassion and accountability must work together.

People experiencing homelessness should be connected with available shelter and services. At the same time, Chico residents should be able to safely use our parks, sidewalks, and public spaces.

1.Protect Chico’s Quality of Life Act

  • For too long, legal restrictions, due to the Warren Settlement, limited the City’s ability to address unsafe conditions and public nuisances. Residents deserved a meaningful way to raise concerns about conditions affecting their neighborhoods and public spaces while the City continued operating within the requirements of the Warren Settlement.

  • That is why I championed the Protect Chico’s Quality of Life Act—Measure L—in 2022. The measure established a process for addressing public nuisances on City-owned property while remaining within applicable legal requirements. Chico voters overwhelmingly approved Measure L with over 60% of the vote. 

2.Cleanup, Outreach and Shelter

  • I believe our response to homelessness should be measured by results—not simply by how much money we spend or how many programs we create. That means consistently addressing encampments and unsafe conditions while offering people access to available shelter and services.

  • Last year Chico’s TARGET team (homelessness outreach) led the clearing of over 450 encampments in compliance with the Warren Settlement. The City reported removing 335 tons of debris and assessing 87 individuals for shelter during the year.

  • Since 2022, more than 798 people have been assessed through outreach, including 463 who accepted placement at a shelter and 46 who moved into permanent housing. These numbers demonstrate progress, but they also reinforce why our focus must extend beyond shelter occupancy. Our long-term goals are safer public spaces and lasting stability for people receiving services.

  • With the Warren Settlement expiration on January 14, 2027, I believe Chico must be prepared for what comes next. We should not wait until the settlement ends to determine how the City will address encampments, restore public spaces, and enforce its laws.

  • I have pushed the City to fully use the enforcement tools currently available, identify additional legally enforceable options, and involve the public in planning for this transition. 

  • My priorities include closing the Eaton/Cohasset Alternate Site, restoring public spaces beginning with City Plaza and extending outward, and making sure City staff have clear direction and the resources necessary to carry out that work.