Planning and zoning: regional housing needs: exchange of allocation.
If passed, this bill would foster cooperation between local governments in fulfilling regional housing goals, potentially alleviating housing shortages in areas where there is higher demand. It obligates municipalities to report the specifics of any transfer agreements to their respective councils of governments. This shift could lead to a more strategic approach to allocating housing resources, allowing for better alignment between housing supply and community needs.
Assembly Bill No. 617, introduced by Assembly Member Davies, aims to amend California's Government Code concerning planning and zoning laws related to regional housing needs. The bill primarily focuses on allowing cities and counties to engage in the exchange of housing allocation, enabling local governments to transfer all or a portion of their allocation of regional housing needs to another city or county through mutual agreements. This legislative change seeks to enhance flexibility in managing housing approvals and addressing regional housing shortfalls more effectively.
Notably, the legislation may raise concerns among stakeholders about the implications for local control and governance in housing matters. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to address housing shortages, it could inadvertently enable larger cities or counties with more resources to outbid smaller locales for housing allocations, thus undermining local interests. Proponents, on the other hand, maintain that it represents a necessary step toward a collaborative solution to statewide housing issues, emphasizing the need for a more adaptable and cooperative regional housing strategy.