California Governor Gavin Newsom's administration has initiated legal proceedings against five additional cities for failing to comply with state-mandated housing plans, signaling a continued intensification of efforts to address the state's housing crisis. The administration has accused Calexico, Costa Mesa, Half Moon Bay, Ridgecrest, and Turlock of missing critical deadlines for their housing element submissions, a requirement under California's long-standing housing supply law.
The housing element law, enacted in 1969, mandates that cities and counties develop comprehensive plans every eight years to accommodate projected housing needs, based on state allocations. This initiative, designed to alleviate California's persistent housing shortage, has often faced criticism for encroaching on local autonomy and requiring significant zoning changes that do not always yield the necessary scale of affordable housing. However, Governor Newsom's administration has asserted that the urgency of the housing crisis necessitates strict enforcement, bolstered by new legislation that allows for more substantial penalties against non-compliant municipalities.
"California can’t solve the housing crisis while some cities sit on their hands and dare us to do something about it," Governor Newsom stated in response to the latest legal actions. "These five jurisdictions had every chance to follow the law and plan for their fair share of housing. ... Housing law applies statewide, and no city gets a pass."
Despite the state's legal threats, officials from three of the targeted cities—Calexico, Half Moon Bay, and Turlock—have indicated that they are actively working towards compliance, engaging with state agencies throughout the process. Costa Mesa's Mayor John Stephens expressed surprise at the legal intervention, stating that city staff had been collaborating directly with the state. Ridgecrest City Manager Travis Reed noted that the state was in possession of the city's most recent draft and anticipated certification soon.
The administration's aggressive stance is underscored by past enforcement actions. Huntington Beach, which had notably resisted zoning for required new housing for years, became a focal point for such enforcement when the state filed its first lawsuit against the city. Following a protracted legal battle, Huntington Beach recently passed its updated housing element as ordered by a judge and faces significant fines for its prior noncompliance. The state has also successfully resolved legal complaints against Anaheim, Elk Grove, La Cañada Flintridge, and Norwalk, with other municipalities reaching settlements before court proceedings.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, "California’s housing crisis demands action, not excuses. Jurisdictions that remain out of compliance with our Housing Element Law are standing in the way of the homes Californians need." The recent legal petitions seek court orders compelling the cities to adopt compliant housing elements and request the imposition of fines. State officials confirmed that these filings follow repeated warnings and attempts to collaborate with the cities, whose planning documents are reportedly years overdue.
