Oakland Mayor Orders Aggressive Clearing of Homeless Encampments

Mayor Sheng Thao's directive follows a Supreme Court ruling, sparking controversy ahead of her recall election.

Mayor Sheng Thao issued an executive order to clear homeless encampments in Oakland, citing public safety and infrastructure concerns.
The directive comes after the Supreme Court's Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling, which allows states to ban public camping.
Thao's order prioritizes clearing camps near schools, playgrounds, businesses, and critical infrastructure, even with less than 12 hours notice in emergencies.
Critics, including the Oakland Police Officers Association, label the move a political stunt ahead of Thao's November recall election.
Oakland's homeless population has risen by 9% over two years, with the city offering limited emergency shelter and housing options.