Some critics are skeptical, questioning how the costs will be met.

Image Darrell Steinberg in 2014. At the time, he was the State Senate’s president pro tempore. Credit... Max Whittaker for The New York Times

Others have challenged the mayor over his reluctance to embrace a so-called tent city for the homeless — like those created in Seattle — which supporters say would offer a temporary safer alternative to life on the streets and river banks.

“That’s the essential first step,” said Mark Merin, a civil rights lawyer who has advocated for the homeless in Sacramento. “Without that there’s no foundation on which to build a program.”

We caught up with Mr. Steinberg by phone. These are edited excerpts from the conversation:

• Do you think Sacramento could solve the problem of homelessness?

Well I think we need to aim very high. But I also have no illusions. And we talk about a concept called ‘functional zero,’ which means that we ought to have more permanent housing and supportive services than the number of homeless people. And then the goal is to match them up. But no, I’m not talking about trying to absolutely fix it. I think that’s the aspiration. But I think it’s our obligation and our opportunity to make it much better.

• How does your approach differ from what’s been tried before?

We have a lot of tools in place and we also know what works. What works — and I’ve seen it — is assertive outreach by clinically trained outreach workers, case management, single points of entry, supportive services, especially mental health and substance abuse services, and an absolute commitment to increasing the inventory of permanent housing.

• How do you overcome local resistance to adding housing for the homeless?