09/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2024 16:27
What you need to know: Since 2022, Governor Newsom's Housing Accountability Unit has "unlocked" more than 7,500 housing units for California families, meaning the unit has ensured these new homes are approved for development by working with local jurisdictions or by taking actions to enforce California law. This summer, Governor Newsom expanded the unit's oversight to also include monitoring cities' and counties' efforts to address homelessness. The unit announced its first action this week with a Notice of Violation against the city of Norwalk.
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom's Housing Accountability Unit has taken strong action against cities and counties that fail to build more housing, unlocking more than 7,500 housing units for California. Earlier this year, Governor Newsom expanded the responsibility of the unit to hold cities and counties accountable when they fail to adequately address homelessness. Earlier this week, the Housing Accountability Unit announced its first action on homelessness after issuing a notice of violation to the city of Norwalk for its unlawful moratorium on building homeless shelters or supportive housing.
"There is no community in our state that is exempt from doing its part to address homelessness and create new housing. Whether by helping communities understand housing law or by countering NIMBY attacks, we will continue pressing forward to hold localities accountable for building their fair share of housing and helping individuals experiencing homelessness. We all have a role to play to ensure every Californian has a place to call home," said Governor Newsom.
Governor Newsom launched the Housing Accountability Unit in 2021 to assist cities and counties in fulfilling their legal responsibilities to plan for and permit their fair share of housing and to hold accountable those who fail to do so. In 2024 the Unit was expanded to include a focus on homelessness issues - including compliance with state laws as they relate to homeless housing - doubling down on an aggressive strategy to help build more homes and get people into housing.
"Whether housed or unhoused, we are all Californians bound to each other as we create a California for All," said Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Tomiquia Moss. Thanks to the collective action of cities and counties across the state, last year California housed over 73,000 Californians experiencing homelessness - including seniors, young adults, families with young children, veterans. We need the commitment and accountability of everyone if we are to continue to make progress. It is time for all cities to say yes to essential shelter and housing and diligently uplift residents by providing the services they need to be sheltered and housed in community."
This focus on accountability has, in part, led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the Housing Accountability Unit has supported the development of 7,513 housing units, including 2,765 affordable units [mclist.us7.list-manage.com], through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law.
The unit has taken 540 accountability actions to date, including filing four lawsuits.
"Our Housing Accountability Unit's priority is to ensure the law is being followed and we are protecting the right of people to have a home," said Department Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velazquez. "We'll continue to work in partnership and assist local jurisdictions that understand this. For those that do not, and try to circumvent the law with total disregard to the detrimental impact on their communities HCD will not hesitate to use all tools at our disposal, including taking them to court, to ensure housing is being built for Californians at all income levels. With the Governor's expansion of our responsibilities and focus, we'll redouble our efforts to ensure accountability."
Addressing the homelessness crisis
Ensuring communities plan for their housing needs
Saving housing projects from NIMBY attacks
Transforming unused land to much-needed housing
Visit HCD's website for more information on the Housing Accountability Unit.