Politics
California Governor Unleashes Bold New Authority Over Housing Enforcement
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — New state laws will impose stricter oversight on California cities regarding housing and homeless shelter construction, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent legislative signing. This initiative addresses the pressing housing crisis and an escalating homeless situation in the state.
Newsom’s administration has intensified its enforcement of existing housing laws. Last year, the state initiated lawsuits against multiple cities for their rejection of affordable housing projects. During a signing ceremony at an affordable housing development in San Francisco, Newsom criticized Norwalk for extending its ban on new homeless shelters and affordable housing. “They didn’t even want to zone or support any supportive housing in their community,” he remarked.
The governor’s legislative package includes 32 housing proposals aimed at enhancing development across various price points and ensuring compliance with state mandates. Cities and counties must now plan for housing for very low-income residents, streamline permitting processes, and implement additional renter protections.
For non-compliance, the state’s attorney general can impose civil penalties exceeding $50,000 monthly against cities that fail to adopt housing plans. Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of this clarity and structure, aiming for cooperative efforts among compliant cities.
However, tensions between state and local governments are likely to increase, as ambitious housing development goals clash with local approvals. California needs to construct 2.5 million homes by 2030, while currently averaging only 100,000 new homes annually, with just 10,000 categorized as affordable.
Opponents, including Republican state Senator Roger Niello, argue that these laws are disconnected from community needs and undermining local governance. “It is all, as has been the governor’s approach to homelessness, a top-down approach,” he stated.
Newsom has prioritized housing and homelessness on a statewide scale, dedicating approximately $40 billion for affordable housing initiatives and $27 billion for homelessness solutions. Recently, he urged local governments to address street encampments, threatening to withhold state funding if significant progress isn’t made by next year.
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