Governor Gavin Newsom’s Housing Accountability Unit has unlocked more than 7,500 housing units since its establishment in 2021, ensuring new homes are approved for development and holding local jurisdictions accountable. This summer, the unit’s role was expanded to include oversight of efforts to address homelessness, with its first action this week against the city of Norwalk.
Norwalk was issued a Notice of Violation for passing an ordinance that bans the development of new homeless shelters and supportive housing. The violation comes weeks after Governor Newsom called on localities to use unprecedented state funding to tackle homelessness and provide shelter for those in need.
“There is no community in our state that is exempt from doing its part to address homelessness and create new housing,” said Governor Newsom. “We will continue pressing forward to hold localities accountable for building their fair share of housing and helping individuals experiencing homelessness.”
The Housing Accountability Unit has taken 540 enforcement actions to date, including four lawsuits, and helped generate 7,513 housing units, including 2,765 affordable homes. The unit’s increased focus on homelessness reflects the state’s aggressive strategy to provide housing for all Californians.