By Gary Warth
March 11, 2026
ENCINITAS — Encinitas officials voiced mixed views this week on a state bill aimed at giving smaller cities better access to homelessness funding, ultimately agreeing to support the measure while raising concerns about state oversight.
The City Council voted to send a letter of support for Assembly Bill 1708, known as the “Pathway to Cities Act,” which would prioritize cities with fewer than 300,000 residents in the next round of Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grants.
HHAP is a state funding program that helps pay for housing, outreach and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The upcoming funding round is expected to total $500 million.
Supporters say the bill would give smaller cities a more direct path to funding. Critics worry it could come with added requirements and reduced local control.
Councilmember Marco San Antonio cast the lone vote against supporting the bill.
“I’m super wary of the state,” he said.
Councilmember Jim O’Hara abstained, citing concerns about provisions that could require additional agreements, such as memorandums of understanding, which he said could limit local decision-making.
To qualify for funding, cities would need a compliant housing element, an encampment policy and participation in regionally coordinated homelessness plans.
Some residents echoed concerns about state involvement.
“This would put Encinitas in this ‘consortium of care,’” resident Elena Thompson said. “It’s just more strings attached to what we’re trying to do here.”
City staff, however, said many of those requirements are already in place.
Deputy City Manager Mike James said the bill could actually increase local control by allowing cities to apply directly for funding and choose their own partners.
“Instead of working through another entity, we would be in a position to request the funds ourselves,” he said.
Planning Manager Patty Anders added that Encinitas already participates in the Homeless Management Information System and aligns with Regional Task Force on Homelessness standards.
“We already have procedures in place,” she said, noting that state requirements around encampment policies would not significantly change current practices.
Councilmember Joy Lyndes said the bill aligns with the city’s broader strategy to secure funding for homelessness programs.
“In our strategic plan, we talk about finding ways to fund those priorities,” she said.
Mayor Bruce Ehlers and Councilmember Luke Shaffer also supported the measure, saying it would provide more direct access to funding.
Encinitas is among 469 California cities with populations under 300,000. In San Diego County, only the city of San Diego exceeds that threshold.
Why It Matters: The proposal reflects a broader push to ensure smaller cities have more direct access to homelessness funding, even as participation in regional coordination remains a requirement for securing state resources.
