localities

Though cities and states set their own homeless policies, the federal government controls most of the money and can shift the balance by tying grant money to requirements that force localities to shift tactics.

A state law known as the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act bans localities from capping rent on vacant units, single-family homes and apartments built after Feb. 1, 1995, or earlier in some cases.

However, while some localities have reported not having enough donors to meet the needs of their medical institutions, others have reported more than enough.

Supporters say repealing the ban on localities capping rent on vacant units, single-family homes and apartments built more recently will give local governments tools to ease the affordability crisis for their residents.

“It’s not like these localities are going rogue,” said Mindy Romero, founder of the Center for Inclusive Democracy at USC, noting that it’s not unconstitutional for noncitizens to vote in local elections.