Steve Hilton vows to eliminate all California homeless encampments by 2027

Steve Hilton, running for governor of California, presented a comprehensive proposal to eradicate all homeless encampments statewide by December 31, 2027. The plan hinges on a network of Homeless Recovery Centers, with the Sunbreak Ranch development in San Diego County serving as a prototype, offering beds, meals, showers, medical and psychiatric services, drug treatment and employment programs. Hilton cited a HUD 2025 count showing 181,934 homeless individuals, including 115,583 without shelter, and criticized the state's $24 billion spending track record.

He intends to meet with mayors and county leaders within his first month to set a Labor Day 2027 deadline for local action, followed by a final statewide deadline. Additional measures include declaring a homelessness emergency to bypass permitting hurdles, enforcing camping bans once facilities are ready, and launching Operation Zero Waste to audit and redirect funds from ineffective programs. If local authorities do not comply, the state would step in to clear encampments and reclaim public spaces.