The long-standing housing law standoff in Artesia has reached a resolution, with Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announcing a settlement that compels the city to shape up and get in line with state requirements. The agreement, hammered out and awaiting court approval, puts Artesia on a tight leash to submit a housing element that’s on the up and up with the Department of Housing and Community Development, according to a press release from Newsom's office.
The deal calls for the plan to include a grand total of 1,069 new homes, of which 608 will cater to Californians with very low, low, and moderate incomes. Newsom didn't mince words, saying, "Artesia has wasted time and money stalling on their obligations when they could have instead been providing necessary housing for the families in their community," as stated by the Governor's office.
Artesia's initial lack of cooperation triggered the Housing Accountability Unit at HCD, established by Newsom back in 2021, to slap a Notice of Violation on the city in May 2023. After failing to meet its own outlined compliance timeline, Artesia was handed another NOV in October 2024. Failure to adhere to this binding timeline carries clear repercussions, both legally and financially, as detailed by the Governor's office.
In a commendatory tone, AG Bonta highlighted the city's eventual compliance. "Instead of continuing to kick the can down the road, the City has finally committed to do its part to plan for the region’s housing needs," Bonta said. HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez also chimed in, praising the reinforcement of California's housing laws through the settlements and pledging HCD’s assistance to other jurisdictions struggling with compliance.
