Golden State Today

Governor Newsom’s housing and homeless accountability unit unlocks 7,500+ new housing units

Sep 18, 2024

Announces first action under unit’s new oversight of homelessness efforts.

Since 2022, Governor Newsom’s Housing Accountability Unit has “unlocked” more than 7,500 housing units for California families. This summer, Governor Newsom expanded the unit’s oversight to 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 Gavin 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 making 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.”

This focus on accountability has led in part to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the Housing Accountability Unit has supported developing 7,513 housing units through enforcement actions and working with local jurisdictions.

The unit has taken 540 accountability actions so far, including filing four lawsuits.

“Our Housing Accountability Unit’s priority is ensuring the law is being followed and protecting people's right to have a home,” said Department Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velazquez. “We’ll continue working in partnership with local jurisdictions that understand this. For those that do not comply with the law HCD will use all tools at our disposal.”

Addressing Homelessness Crisis

This week, the Housing Accountability Unit issued a Notice of Violation against Norwalk for passing an ordinance banning new homeless shelters' development only weeks after Governor Newsom called on localities using unprecedented funding access.

Ensuring Communities Plan Their Housing Needs

In 2023, Governor's Office filed suit against Huntington Beach for failing its fair share under California's Housing Element Law resulting in San Diego Superior Court ruling requiring additional planning.

Last fall Coronado reached settlement adopting compliant element planning new units.

San Bernardino updated plan meeting goals conforming density bonus state law avoiding litigation.

Settlements also secured Malibu Fullerton updating elements fall.

Saving Projects from NIMBY Attacks

Elk Grove blocked supportive project approved market-rate same area; State intervened securing agreement identifying rezoning affordable development.

California won trial court Anaheim violating multiple laws denying Grandma’s House Hope permit transitional women health disabilities recently experienced homelessness.

La Cañada Flintridge attempted blocking mixed-income project court ordered reversal denial creating units.

Transforming Unused Land into Needed Housing

July HCD settled Moreno Valley allegations Surplus Land Act violations committing affordable homes statutory penalty.

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