California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has directed cities and counties statewide to prohibit homeless encampments, a move which comes amid a worsening crisis that has left roughly 187,000 Californians without housing.

His administration released a model ordinance this week which local governments can adopt or use as a template. It bans persistent camping and encampments blocking sidewalks, while requiring officials to provide advance notice and offer shelter alternatives before clearing camps.

“The time for inaction is over. There are no more excuses,” Newsom explained during a press conference announcing the initiative.

To support implementation, $3.3 billion in voter-approved funding from the recently passed Proposition 1 will expand housing and treatment options for homeless residents. These resources target behavioral health needs and housing for seriously ill individuals living on the streets.

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on homeless encampments has strengthened local governments’ legal standing on this issue: cities can now enforce anti-camping regulations with greater confidence, a development Newsom and other state officials have welcomed as providing needed clarity.

And major metropolitan areas aren’t waiting. Los Angeles and San Francisco have already begun dismantling encampments, citing public health concerns and safety risks to both residents and the homeless population.

Some conservatives noted that the model ordinance only came as Newsom prepares for a possible presidential campaign, moving him to address certain challenges in his state.