Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order this past weekend requiring cities across New York State to move the homeless off the streets when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below. In response, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s office said the city can’t force people into shelters unless a new state law is passed.
From a policy perspective, the order does not change how New York City approaches street homelessness. But it does set the stage for another showdown between Cuomo and de Blasio, who both call homelessness a crisis but have made little effort to work together on a solution.
In terms of the city's homeless outreach, “they’re already doing what they’re required to do under the state mental hygiene law,” WNYC’s Mirela Iverac told All Things Considered host Jami Floyd. She said HRA and acting Homeless Services Commissioner Steve Banks stressed, “if people are mentally competent, the city can’t force them to go to shelters.”
On the politics, WNYC’s Karen Rouse said the executive order is expected to be ”just the beginning of a much bigger initiative” Cuomo will announce during his State of the State and Budget address on January 13.
The governor also touted his experience addressing homelessness across the country when he worked in the Clinton administration.
“What’s important here is Cuomo is saying he’s done this before by working with these major cities — LA and Chicago,” said Rouse. “Yet, he is not working with New York.”
Officials from the governor’s and mayor’s offices confirmed that City Hall was informed about the order late Saturday just before a story was slated to run in the NY Daily News on Sunday.
It’s not the first time the two men have appeared to be operating at odds with with each other.
But Mayor de Blasio adopted a cautious tone on Monday, welcoming the intent of the order while stressing that the city already possessed — and used — the power it granted other municipalities.
The timing of Cuomo’s announcement comes at the start of the state legislative and budget season. Last year, that meant a bruising battle for de Blasio.
“He saw funding for homeless prevention services in the city cut by $23 million,” WNYC’s Brigid Bergin told Floyd. The mayor wants that money restored and is expected to make a push for more money for supportive housing.
“So, there’s a lot on the line for the mayor this year,” said Bergin, “and he doesn't want to rock the boat too much.”
Listen to the full conversation with All Things Considered host Jami Floyd and WNYC’s Mirela Iverac, Karen Rouse and Brigid Bergin.