#BreakingNews California passed a bill allowing LA County to purchase fire destroyed property at cheap rates to convert them into low-income affordable housing.
#losangeles
The California State Senate passed Senate Bill 549 which authorizes the creation of Resilient Rebuilding Authorities (RRA) in Los Angeles County.
The county will be able to purchase fire-destroyed lots (at minimal cost) using property taxes, then convert the lots into low-income and affordable housing.
#california
The bill, introduced by State Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), is now headed to the Assembly for a hearing set for tomorrow.
If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, it would take effect immediately as an 'urgency statute.'
Meanwhile only 100 permits have been issued for California residents to rebuild after the Palisades fire destroyed 6,000-7,000 homes/structures - with some estimates putting that number at 12,000.
The plan targets lots that were destroyed in wildfires like the recent Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires in LA County.
At least 40% of the RRA's funding must be allocated to developing low-income housing on these sites - think section 8, homeless, illegal migrants etc.
The bill also prioritizes reconstructing rental stock, and multi-family units - AKA apartments.
The RRA can issue, receive, and administer funds specifically for LA wildfires, including property taxes.
Governor Newsom has already allocated $101 million in state taxpayer funds for multifamily low-income housing developments in wildfire affected areas, which could be used to build the low income housing if the bill passes.
The bill has drawn criticism for appearing to contradict Governor Newsom's previous commitments to wildfire victims.
In January Newsom issued an executive order prohibiting unsolicited, low-ball offers for fire-destroyed properties, assuring homeowners they would have "breathing room and protection" to rebuild without exploitation.
He emphasized streamlining rebuilding efforts, saying the focus was on "residential cleanup" and a "blueprint for rebuilding" to help owners recover their homes - but what is happening seems to be the opposite of what he promised.
Additionally, Newsom previously said he was concerned about policies that could hinder rebuilding in high-fire-risk areas, prioritizing homeowner recovery over government-driven conversions.... many questioning his change in action.
Critics say SB 549 gives government private property at low cost for public housing, contradicting what Newsom publicaly says, and prioritizes low-income development over private rebuilding.