Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness and Incarceration: Q&A with New CSG Justice Center Advisory Board Member Wayne Niederhauser

The CSG Justice Center Advisory Board establishes the policy and project priorities of the organization. The board features a cross-section of leaders who shape criminal justice policy in various parts of the country.  

Wayne Niederhauser was appointed as the Utah homelessness coordinator by Governor Spencer Cox in 2021. As coordinator, he’s spearheaded the development of the State Plan to Address Homelessness and successfully secured unprecedented legislative funding for affordable housing and services. His approach to understanding homelessness is deeply rooted in weekly outreach and relationship building with the unsheltered population. A former state legislator, he served over 12 years in the Utah State Senate, including 6 years as senate president.

Editor’s note: Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.    

Wayne Niederhauser

What inspired you to join the CSG Justice Center Advisory Board? What unique perspective do you feel you bring to the board?

As a legislator, I became familiar with the impressive work of the CSG Justice Center. Recognizing the direct correlation between homelessness and the criminal justice system, I naturally turned to this organization for research and policy insights upon assuming the state position of homelessness coordinator. I am excited to contribute to the national conversation surrounding these critical issues. My extensive background in housing, homelessness, and policy converges to create a unique perspective, particularly regarding its intersection with the criminal justice system.

What has solidified your commitment to improving the criminal justice system? 

Reentry is a significant factor contributing to homelessness. The criminal justice system has become a revolving door for many individuals, and I believe we can improve outcomes by addressing people’s health and housing concerns and investing in diversion programs that have been proven to work. As someone who spends significant time meeting with people who are unsheltered, I have a firsthand understanding of the complexity of housing issues and the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. I know how important stable housing and support services are to successful reintegration. 

Editor’s note: Check out the CSG Justice Center’s article on housing as a key ingredient to reentry success. It’s the first in a series of three articles on housing in America. 

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the criminal justice system today, and how can the CSG Justice Center help solve them?

I view the CSG Justice Center as a vital policy and research organization uniquely positioned to address the significant challenges within our criminal justice system. The most pressing issues I observe are recidivism, addiction, mental health, recovery support, the cost of housing, and the dignity derived from meaningful work. 

What are some innovations happening in your state or field that you think could be successfully replicated across the country?

Salt Lake County has recently opened a crisis receiving center to de-escalate immediate crises, facilitate diversion, and connect individuals with essential resources and services. 

Effective coordination such as this is crucial for successful systems, yet too often, people fall through the gaps. To address this, Utah has established local homeless councils to improve coordination within the homeless response systems and facilitate connections to vital services and resources. We have also successfully developed and proven a model for deeply affordable housing. Our current challenge is to secure consistent, ongoing funding to sustain this success. 

 Editor’s note: Check out a video detailing Salt Lake County’s jail dashboard that helps officials identify and connect people in the county jail with housing and services. 

Learn more about the CSG Justice Center’s Advisory Board and its five newest members.