Nevada County Board Responds to Grand Jury Homelessness Report

NEVADA CITY — On May 8, Nevada County’s grand jury released a report detailing trends in the county’s homeless population, wildfire risks from homeless encampments in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), law enforcement frustrations, and shelter shortages. The report included eight findings, followed by seven recommendations for ways the county might improve the situation for both the homeless and residents.

The county responded to the grand jury report, as required by law, with a document approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 22. The county partially disagreed with the grand jury’s finding that homeless encampments in the WUI present a high risk of starting wildfires. Officials agreed that unsheltered living increases fire risk, but noted a lack of formal data linking homelessness directly to fires. The county disagreed with the grand jury’s assessment that homelessness continues to increase, citing a decrease in point-in-time homeless count numbers from 2023 to 2024. The board acknowledged law enforcement’s frustrations with handling homeless populations and difficulties in removing illegal camps from private properties. Although the county lacks anti-camping laws, most public land camping issues occur on municipal, state, or federal land, and the county rarely encounters issues on its own property.

In response to the grand jury’s recommendations, the county agreed to conduct further analysis on anti-camping laws and managed low-barrier campsites. The county also agreed to hold public workshops to find solutions and to continue increases in shelter beds and warming centers. Lastly, the county pledged to prioritize the removal of camps in the WUI.

Around ten public commenters voiced opinions on homelessness in the county, with most describing the issue as a major one that the county could do more to handle. Some took issue with the methodology of the county’s point-in-time homeless counts, raising questions over whether homeless populations were being accurately surveyed. Several commenters advocated for a managed campsite combined with strong anti-camping enforcement, arguing that displaced homeless people should have a designated place to go. Those commenters noted that many homeless individuals are unwilling to place themselves in a shelter or managed camp without being compelled to do so. Commenters also suggested continued public input opportunities through workshops.