As the city considers new ordinances making it easier for police to break up homeless camps, residents say forced displacement is already underway. Police deny an increase in homeless sweeps.

Aid groups for the destitute of Skid Row are concerned about a reported rise in homeless sweeps and property confiscation. "While city officials have been wrestling with new ordinances to make it easier to break up camps — first enacting them in July, then suspending enforcement while they consider modifications — police have been testing strategies for getting homeless people's property off the streets, the groups say."
One homeless man recalled an incident where "two 'officers' — employees of the local business improvement district — [...] pulled out a 'voluntary property release' form. Unsure if the black-shirted officers were police, Gabel said he felt intimidated and signed the form." The men then took away the bike parts he planned to sell.
Spokespeople for the police deny using more aggressive tactics on Skid Row. "LAPD Cmdr. Andy Smith said there has been no increase in homeless sweeps, and arrests for violations that typically target homeless people are down."
"[A police spokesperson] said police were trying to balance the needs of the homeless while ensuring the city is 'habitable.'" Habitability, of course, can easily be a code-word for the gentrification many see as inevitable for the area. In the words of one officer, "People pay a lot now to live here, they expect services from the city. You're kind of stuck in the middle, I know."
FULL STORY: LAPD denies increase in homeless sweeps; skid row advocates say otherwise

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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