City asks legislature to halt proposal that cripples local government review

Mayor Steve Mensinger, on behalf of the City Council, has sent a sharply worded letter to two high ranking legislative leaders announcing the city’s opposition to a proposal by Gov. Jerry Brown that would eliminate city regulations and review of specific affordable housing developments.

The city is asking Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian, chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee and state Sen. Richard Roth, chair of the Senate Budget Subcommittee, to put the brakes on any legislative action that would pass the governor’s proposal, saying it undermines local government and public engagement and will increase the public’s distrust of government.

“The City of Costa Mesa is supportive of efforts to increase affordable housing opportunities for California’s residents, especially in Orange County,” Mayor Mensinger wrote. “However, your proposed language to streamline affordable housing weakens the ability for local governments to review or approve projects in their communities.”

To see the full text of the letter click here.