Progressive Democrats in Los Angeles Seek to Block New Development, Raising Questions about State Housing Requirements

Progressive Democrats in Los Angeles are making moves to block new development in a large area of the city, affecting approximately 100,000 residents. This decision comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom cracks down on nearby La Cañada Flintridge for not building enough housing, despite being a conservative enclave. The state is facing a housing shortage of 4.5 million units, and the actions of both the city of Los Angeles and La Cañada Flintridge are raising questions about the enforcement of housing requirements.

In Los Angeles, the Department of City Planning is recommending an increase in the requirement for low-income housing from 22% to 50% in the Boyle Heights Community Plan Area. This change has raised concerns among experts, with city planner Nolan Gray calling it a move designed to block new development. The California Department of Housing and Community Development may review this requirement under AB 1505, which allows for evaluation of inclusionary zoning measures that may hinder housing production.

Despite criticisms, some experts see the updated plan as a compromise, allowing formerly industrial areas to build housing. City councilmember Kevin de Leon, a progressive Democrat, is overseeing Boyle Heights and has been a proponent of inclusionary zoning in downtown Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, La Cañada Flintridge is facing pressure from Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta for not meeting housing requirements. Newsom has stated that cities cannot skirt these rules and will be held accountable for not building enough housing.

The actions in both Los Angeles and La Cañada Flintridge highlight the ongoing challenges California faces in addressing its housing shortage and the tensions between local and state governments in enforcing housing requirements.