Mayor Karen Bass’ signature initiative, Inside Safe, is under intense scrutiny as a federal judge and the city controller seek to audit the program. Inside Safe is aimed at moving unhoused individuals from encampments to indoor facilities such as hotels and motels.

During a recent court hearing related to a motion filed by the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights, U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter called for an audit of the program. The L.A. Alliance has accused the city of failing to meet the terms of a settlement agreement that dates back nearly two years, which required the city to build shelter beds and clear homeless encampments. The alliance is seeking $6.4 million in monetary sanctions from the city.

Judge Carter expressed concerns about the transparency and accountability of public funds allocated to fight homelessness. He specifically questioned the effectiveness of the nonprofit homeless service providers involved in the Inside Safe program and requested a detailed account of their work.

City Controller Kenneth Mejia also asserted his authority to audit homeless programs overseen by the mayor’s office, contradicting earlier statements made by the city administrative officer. Mejia announced plans to conduct a “focused audit” of Inside Safe, which received $250 million in the city’s budget this year.

Mayor Karen Bass, who is currently in France with a city delegation, was not available for immediate comment on the audit request. However, City Council President Paul Krekorian offered to have an independent auditor appointed by the court to investigate Inside Safe.

The L.A. Alliance has accused the city of missing deadlines and negotiating in bad faith regarding the settlement agreement to shelter a certain percentage of individuals living on the streets in each council district. The group’s attorney, Elizabeth Mitchell, highlighted the city’s shortcomings in complying with the agreement.

Chief Assistant City Attorney Scott Marcus acknowledged the city’s failure to communicate effectively with the alliance but defended the city’s progress in creating shelter beds. Judge Carter indicated that he is inclined to rule in favor of the alliance, citing a lack of good faith on the city’s part.

In light of the increased scrutiny on homeless services, the City Council also voted to seek a performance evaluation of the services provided by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in how city funds are utilized by LAHSA.

As the case unfolds, the spotlight is on Mayor Karen Bass’s Inside Safe program and the city’s efforts to address homelessness effectively and responsibly. The audit requested by Judge Carter and the actions taken by City Controller Kenneth Mejia demonstrate a commitment to accountability and transparency in managing public resources dedicated to helping unhoused individuals in Los Angeles.

Times Staff Writer David Zahniser contributed to this report