City Releases 2026 Homelessness Survey Results
San Luis Obispo's community survey on homelessness drew 676 participants, nearly double the 2024 response.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Civic Engagement
Live Poll
Do you think homelessness in your area is getting better or worse?
The City of San Luis Obispo released results from its 2026 Homelessness Response Community Survey, conducted in September 2026. The findings will inform updates to the City's 2027-2031 Homelessness Response Strategic Plan.
Why it matters
The survey gathers resident perspectives on homelessness, service needs, and community priorities that the City says will guide future program investments. Results will also shape the City's coordination with County and regional providers.
The survey drew 676 participants and nearly 400 open-ended comments, with more than 83% of respondents reporting they see homelessness daily. Respondents most often saw it downtown, in parks, and along streets.
The players
City of San Luis Obispo
The City of San Luis Obispo is the municipal government conducting the survey and developing its Homelessness Response Strategic Plan.
The details
Top community priorities include public health and safety, the wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness, and affordable housing. Residents most want street outreach, safe parking, and increased access to licensed psychiatric care, and urged the City to advocate regionally for more mental health and substance use treatment facilities and transitional and supportive housing.
Timeline
September 2026: Community survey conducted.
2027 to 2031: Period covered by the updated Homelessness Response Strategic Plan.
Civic Engagement Context
The survey is an input to the City's Homelessness Response Strategic Plan, which sets the local framework for 2027 through 2031. The City plans to use these community findings to guide future investments and deepen partnerships with County and regional providers.
Residents who share priorities through community surveys can influence how the City allocates resources for street outreach, safe parking, and mental health services. Community members can also download a visual summary of the results to review the findings directly.
The takeaway
Community input is directly shaping how San Luis Obispo plans to respond to homelessness over the next five years. Residents who want to weigh in on local priorities can engage through future City surveys and public processes.
What happens next
The survey results will inform updates to the City's Homelessness Response Strategic Plan for 2027 to 2031.
Further reading
Explore more on Civic Engagement in San Luis Obispo to see how residents shape local policy decisions.
More information
Review the City's Homelessness Response Strategic Plan and survey results on the City of San Luis Obispo website.
Live Poll
Do you think homelessness in your area is getting better or worse?
