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IS THE BIG HOUSING CRUNCH MOSTLY FICTION?
In some parts of California, there is definitely a housing crunch: small supplies of homes for sale, prices that escalate even when population has apparently stabilized and high prices that exclude most Californians as buyers.
But a massive, multi-million-unit shortage? Maybe not. At least, so suggests a scathing springtime report from the non-partisan acting state auditor.
Marin Voice: Following audit, changes must be made to state housing needs allocation
In the March report, auditors said “HCD does not ensure that its needs assessments are accurate and adequately supported.” That’s a big deal.
In other words, the housing department’s top-down mandates for the next eight-year housing element cycle are unreliable, likely invalid and should therefore be unenforceable. The foundation of the RHNA methodology is as unstable as building housing on sand.
Editorial: Flawed, flaky data of housing assessment creates questions
A recent audit of the state’s new housing quotas raises serious questions about the accuracy of the equation state bureaucrats have used to dictate how many units counties and cities have to approve for construction.
The audit doesn’t question California’s need for housing. But it does raise questions regarding flaws found in the number of units mandated by the state quotas.
State auditor’s analysis elevates concern about housing mandate
RHNA is an acronym that often brings terror to elected county supervisors, city council members, municipal planners and those living in already overpopulated coastal communities. Those letters stand for Regional Housing Needs Assessment. That’s the state mandate of specific numbers of housing units every California town, city and county needs to plan for and facilitate by 2031. The RHNA mandate is a prime example of the top down, “we know best” approach which has become a hallmark of California’s current legislators.
Marin critics of housing mandates tout auditor’s findings
Marin critics of housing mandates handed down by the state say a new report by California’s auditor validates their objections.
“I applaud the audit,” said Mill Valley resident Susan Kirsch, founder of Catalysts for Local Control. “It is one of the greatest contributions we’ve had to try to get accurate numbers that jurisdictions can rely on.”
Four Cities File Lawsuit to Stop SB-9
Petitioners/Plaintiffs City of Redondo Beach, City of Carson, City of Torrance, and City of Whittier bring this action to uphold the California Constitution and prevent the State of California from usurping a charter city’s land use authority, which is a uniquely municipal affair.
California State Auditor releases scathing report on RHNA process
Report finds housing goals are not supported by evidence
On March 17, Michael S. Tilden, the Acting California State Auditor, issued a blistering critique of the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and its Regional Housing Needs Assessments (RHNA).
The Auditor found problems in the HCD methodology that may have inflated RHNA requirements by hundreds of thousands of housing units.
Craziness of housing element demands control
As director of the Catalysts for Local Control group, I think it’s time to push back against housing element craziness. We’re being force-fed housing solutions that don’t deliver on the promise of housing that is affordable.
Advancing Social Housing in California
California Assemblymember Alex Lee’s Vision Of Social Housing (AB 2053). A Zoom webinar hosted by State Senator Stanley Chang.