Spencer Pratt Discusses Homelessness Policy in Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt stated last week that his plan to address homelessness and open-air drug use would result in many individuals currently living on the streets in Los Angeles relocating to cities such as Seattle. During an interview with local ABC reporter Josh Haskell, Pratt claimed that many homeless individuals have been brought to Los Angeles by fraudulent rehabilitation programs and non-profit organizations. He suggested that if his administration ceased funding these programs, individuals would move to Seattle, where the mayor would be more accommodating. Pratt's comments were made in the context of addressing the approximately 40,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles. He emphasized that shelter space is available but that many individuals remain homeless due to drug addiction and non-compliance with shelter rules. Pratt criticized the narrative that individuals are forced to live on the streets, asserting that significant funding has been allocated to address homelessness without sufficient results. He will compete against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and other candidates in the upcoming primary election on June 2.