California’s Housing Compliance: Governor Newsom Issues Final Warnings to Cities

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a decisive move to address California’s ongoing housing challenges, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced final warnings to 15 cities and counties that have failed to comply with state housing laws. This enforcement comes through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), marking a critical step in ensuring all communities meet their housing needs.

Warning Issued to Non-compliant Jurisdictions

These 15 jurisdictions have been identified for not securing a certified housing element—an essential plan that outlines how they will meet housing needs across various income levels. They are now more than 60 days behind in achieving compliance, and have been given 30 days to respond to their Notices of Violation. If there is no adequate action taken, HCD may escalate the matter to the Attorney General for further legal proceedings.

Governor Newsom’s Commitment to Housing Solutions

Governor Newsom expressed his disappointment over the slow progress in addressing housing needs. “There’s no carve-out here. No community gets a pass when it comes to addressing homelessness or creating more housing access,” said Newsom. The Governor reiterated that every Californian deserves a safe place to call home and emphasized the need for enforcement of housing laws to combat NIMBY sentiments and hold local governments accountable.

Community Housing Obligations Under California Law

Under California law, all communities are required to adopt a housing element that demonstrates their plan to meet regional housing needs. HCD is responsible for reviewing these plans to ensure compliance. Notably, 92% of California communities have already achieved compliance in the sixth cycle, illustrating the state’s commitment to improving housing accessibility.

Details on Non-compliant Cities and Counties

The following jurisdictions have received Notices of Violation:

• Atwater
• Avenal
• California City
• Corcoran
• Escalon
• Half Moon Bay
• Hanford
• Kings County
• Lemoore
• Merced County
• Montclair
• Oakdale
• Patterson
• Ridgecrest
• Turlock

These areas are now under a final push to align with state housing mandates. HCD has warned that if any jurisdictions already on track fail to meet requirements, they too may face potential legal action.

History of HCD Actions and Accountability

HCD has a history of taking legal action or entering court-enforced agreements with other non-compliant cities, including Anaheim, Elk Grove, and Huntington Beach. Since its inception in 2021, Governor Newsom’s Housing Accountability Unit (HAU) has undertaken over 1,200 enforcement actions, resulting in securing 10 stipulated judgments and settlement agreements. This has helped “unlock” more than 12,486 housing units, including over 3,644 affordable housing options, which might have otherwise been delayed.

Governor Newsom’s Broader Housing Strategy

In light of the housing and homelessness crises, Governor Newsom has made it a priority to push for innovative solutions throughout the state. His efforts include the following strategies:

• Streamlining Housing Construction: Implementing legal and regulatory reforms to eliminate barriers in the housing development process, including updates to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Support for the Homeless: Developing shelters and support programs for individuals living in encampments, while holding local governments accountable for meeting housing solutions.
• Expanding Mental Health Resources: Enhancing the availability of mental health care and supportive housing, with more than 6,900 residential treatment beds and over 27,500 outpatient treatment slots made available since the approval of Proposition 1 in 2024.
• Modernizing Conservatorship Laws: Establishing the new CARE court system to assist individuals unable to care for themselves due to severe mental health or substance use disorders.
• Addressing Dangerous Encampments: Coordinating the removal of hazardous encampments on state and local properties, successfully clearing over 20,600 encampments since 2021.

Stay Informed on Housing Compliance

For Californians keen on following how their communities are addressing housing, homelessness, and mental health issues, HCD has made an accountability portal available. This tool helps residents track progress and compliance efforts in their local areas.

Governor Newsom’s decisive actions emphasize the importance of compliance with housing laws in California as part of the state’s ongoing commitment to provide accessible housing and support to all residents.