In what marks a pivotal step towards addressing the state's pressing housing needs, Malibu has hammered out a deal with state officials to update its housing blueprint by September this year. The plan will chart the addition of 79 new housing units, catering especially to those in lower income brackets. In an announcement, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development laid out the terms of the settlement, requiring the coastal city to provide housing for those whose wallets aren't lined with beachfront property cash.
The legal settlement pushes Malibu into a tight corner, compelling it to draft a compliant housing element by September 23, 2024. Squeezed by the state's sixth "housing element update cycle" covering 2021-2029, the city's original housing plan fell short and earned a violation notice. After a bit of back-and-forth, Malibu has now agreed to expedite the process and involve the public, which is no small feat considering the typical bureaucratic marathon. The city acknowledges its hands are tied, under the so-called Builder's Remedy, until it green-lights an acceptable plan.
"To communities large and small, affluent, or otherwise – everyone must build their fair share of housing," Newsom proclaimed in a statement acquired by HCD Media. Bonta piggybacked this sentiment, underscoring how compliance isn't optional and serves the greater good. He asserted, "We are facing a housing crisis of epic proportions," reminding locals that when they create room for new builds, all Californians reap the rewards.
Grappling with natural disasters and a global pandemic hasn't made Malibu's journey any easier. Mayor Steve Uhring emphasized the city's commitment to the cause, despite these hurdles. He credited the partnership with HCD as a cornerstone of guiding Malibu toward a meaningful solution. If Malibu drags its feet, they could be staring down the barrel of monetary penalties just one year after the stipulated judgment takes effect – a stiff incentive to stay on track. For the finer points of the agreement, curious minds can peruse the settlement laid out in the petition and proposed judgment on the HCD website.
