Local planning: housing elements: water and sewer services.
The proposed changes would modify Section 65589.7 of the Government Code, making it obligatory for public agencies and private entities that provide water and sewer services to prioritize housing developments offering affordable units. This is expected to help meet the critical needs for lower-income housing in California, where housing shortages have been a persistent issue. The updates will aid local governments in aligning their housing strategies with water availability, thus facilitating new developments and potentially alleviating some housing supply constraints driven by water service approvals.
Assembly Bill 2592, introduced by Assembly Member Grayson, seeks to amend existing laws regarding local planning and housing elements to enhance the provision of affordable housing in California. This bill requires local governments to adopt housing elements that assess housing needs and prioritize developments that include affordable units for lower-income households. It also mandates that water service providers grant priority to housing developments that meet these criteria, encouraging local agencies to create policies that support affordable housing initiatives while maintaining accountability for water services.
The sentiment around AB 2592 appears to favor enhanced accountability and support for local governments in addressing housing shortages, particularly for vulnerable populations. Supporters argue that prioritizing affordable housing in water service allocation is a necessary step towards stronger, more sustainable communities. However, opponents may express concern over additional regulatory burdens placed on local agencies, particularly regarding the adequacy of water supplies to support such developments without compromising service reliability elsewhere.
A notable point of contention surrounding AB 2592 lies in the implications of imposing new duties on local agencies, representing both a state mandate and a potential strain on existing resources. The bill specifies that local agencies and schools may bear certain costs associated with broadening their responsibilities without state reimbursement, which may raise concerns over fiscal accountability. Furthermore, the requirement that service denials related to insufficient water supply must be substantiated with documented findings could complicate decision-making processes for local governments attempting to navigate these regulations while also managing their budgets effectively.