Elder, if elected, would declare a "homeless crisis" to suspend California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which reduces environmental impacts of projects.
Elder stated that homeless people with schizophrenia should be institutionalized to ensure safety.
Elder stated that building affordable housing will take only months if regulations are removed.
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Larry Elder, the Republican candidate for California governor, stated in an interview with The Sacramento Bee on August 2, that he would implement a plan designed to house California's homeless, which was created by Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Mayor.
Elder declared a "homeless crisis" and would suspend the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This would allow Elder to "unleash" contractors and developers who want to build affordable housing on government land.
California Department of General Services analyzed over 44,000 parcels of property and created a map of locations that could be used for affordable housing in the state.
"I have spoken to many developers and they are all completely demoralized and disillusioned. Many of them are now building outside of California because of [CEQA].
Elder stated that in addition to building affordable housing, the government must address the root causes of homelessness.
"We have some people on the streets who are just schizophrenic. Elder explained that Elder meant they were a threat to themselves and others. Elder said that a certain percentage of homeless people must be taken off the streets and placed in a mental institution. This is for their safety as well as the safety of others.
Elder also stated that the rest of the homeless are "probably alcoholics or mentally ill or have substance abuse issues" and requires treatment.
Marcos Breton, a Sacramento Bee columnist, asked Elder about the timeframe for implementing the plan. Elder replied that it would only take months to build affordable housing if all regulations and burdensome rules were removed.
Although Carson claimed Garcetti had approved the plan, it was not implemented because Donald Trump didn't win a second term.
"If I'm elected governor and if I'm fortunate enough to be placed in that position, I fail to solve homeless problems, then I will have failed." Elder stated that he would make this a top priority.
