California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of laws aimed at holding California cities more accountable for resisting housing and homeless shelter construction.
The goal is to address the state’s urgent need for new housing amidst a growing homeless population.
Driving the news: California has increased enforcement of state housing laws, including suing cities that reject affordable housing projects and shelters for the homeless.
The big picture: Newsom signed 32 housing proposals, with new laws requiring cities to plan for housing for low-income individuals, streamline permitting processes, and expand renter protections.
- The attorney general can levy civil penalties of up to $50,000 per month on cities that fail to comply with housing requirements.
State of play: The new laws are expected to heighten tensions between the state and local governments regarding housing project approvals and timelines.
- The state projects a need for 2.5 million homes by 2030 but currently builds only a fraction of that annually.
- Currently California is averaging 100,000 new homes per year.
