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L.A.’s Homeless Crisis on Trial: City Official Shields Mayor Bass in Federal Court

  • Writer: JB Quinnon
    JB Quinnon
  • Jun 8
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 8

L.A.’s Homeless Crisis on Trial: City Official Shields Mayor Bass in Federal Court Showdown



In a courtroom battle that could redefine how Los Angeles addresses its homelessness crisis, City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo emerged as the city’s chief defender. Over the course of a seven-day federal hearing, Szabo testified for four days to protect Mayor Karen Bass and other top city leaders from being called to the stand in a case brought by the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights.


The nonprofit sued the city in 2020, alleging that its response to the homeless crisis was ineffective and failed to meet legal obligations. The alliance pushed U.S. District Judge David O. Carter to remove control of homelessness programs from the city and place them under court-appointed oversight.




Szabo, a longtime city official who serves both the mayor and the city council, defended Los Angeles’ commitment to a 2022 settlement that mandates the creation of 12,915 additional homeless shelter beds by June 2027. Despite heavy cross-examination and objections from city attorneys, he insisted that the city was meeting its obligations and improving its response.


The alliance originally subpoenaed Mayor Bass and Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park, citing their public criticism of the homelessness response. Bass herself called the system “broken” during her April State of the City address—a statement the alliance used to argue that the city had lost control of the situation.


Bass’ spokesperson later clarified that she was referring to outdated approaches that had failed in the past. “But change is happening,” he said. “Under the Mayor’s leadership, we are moving forward.”


The city’s legal team, led by powerhouse firm Gibson Dunn, argued that high-ranking officials like the mayor were protected by the “apex doctrine,” a legal shield preventing top officials from being deposed unless absolutely necessary. Instead, only Szabo and Deputy Mayor Etsemaye Agonafer testified for the city.


Judge Carter has not yet issued a ruling, but he voiced concerns over the accuracy of the city’s data and whether officials were double-counting housing subsidies. He ordered the city to turn over records proving compliance with another part of the case—the “roadmap” agreement, which required 6,700 beds by June 30.


Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, who represents parts of Hollywood, praised Szabo’s role and reaffirmed confidence in the Inside Safe program, which moves people from encampments into temporary housing.


“We’re doing things that are showing results,” Soto-Martínez said. “Is it perfect? No. But we’re working through it.”

With control of Los Angeles’ homelessness programs hanging in the balance, Judge Carter’s decision could significantly shift who holds power—and accountability—in one of the city’s most pressing crises.

Read more L.A. politics and policy stories at sdotvenom.com.

 
 
 

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