SB 802 and Sacramento's regional homelessness authority
Legislation requiring Sacramento County's local governments to form a joint powers authority as the countywide lead entity for housing and homelessness, awaiting the governor's signature.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Sen. Angelique Ashby's Senate Bill 802, requiring Sacramento County and the cities of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights and Folsom to create a regional board on housing and homelessness by January 1, 2028. The board of elected officials would take over functions including the region's point-in-time count and coordinate shelter and housing programs. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty, who opposed an earlier version, said he expects a more formal regional body to begin meeting later this year.
Sacramento County's most recent point-in-time count, released May 2026, estimated about 7,500 people experiencing homelessness in the county.
The Legislature passed SB 802, Sen. Angelique Ashby's bill requiring elected officials across Sacramento County to create a joint powers authority as the lead entity for housing and homelessness countywide, and it now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature. The Bee reported it would be the first known time the Legislature has ordered local governments in the state to create a JPA for homelessness, and that the mandate could end up in court. Sacramento County staff and most of its elected leaders oppose the bill, citing cost concerns.
The Senate concurred in Assembly amendments 33-0 on August 27.