Southern California Mayors Convene to Tackle Housing Challenges and Solutions

At a recent panel hosted by the Center for California Real Estate (CCRE), four civic leaders from Southern California gathered to discuss the region’s persistent housing challenges, share innovative strategies, and seek further support at both the state and local levels.

The panel featured Mayor Scott Voigt of Lake Forest, Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen of Westminster, Mayor Pro Tem Cecilia Hupp of Brea, and Mayor Pro Tem John Nielsen of Tustin. Moderated by Phil Hawkins, CEO of the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the discussion provided insights into how these cities are managing state mandates, infrastructure needs, and wildfire preparedness. The forum highlighted the role of local governments in promoting homeownership and the lessons learned from the rise of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in urban planning.

Cities Innovating to Meet State Housing Mandates

The mayors expressed concerns about the strain of state-imposed housing mandates, which challenge cities to meet ambitious housing targets despite limited local resources, zoning laws, and community concerns. These mandates aim to tackle California’s housing crisis, especially in high-demand areas like Orange County. However, city officials worry about the potential impact on existing infrastructure and public services.

Mayor Scott Voigts of Lake Forest remarked, “With all the mandates coming in from the state of California, we’re struggling… that’s something that we’re dealing with daily.” Despite the challenges, the panelists were committed to creative solutions that balance housing needs with community concerns. Innovative approaches such as the adaptive reuse of structures, mixed-use developments, and streamlined permitting for ADUs—including pre-approved plans or certification paths for existing, unpermitted ADUs—were emphasized as means to meet housing targets while preserving neighborhood character.

Mayor Voigts shared Lake Forest’s success in meeting its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) goals through proactive planning and community engagement, particularly in the redevelopment of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro into a 2,400-home public-private master plan. This exemplified the city’s efforts to address regional housing shortages.

Brea Mayor Pro Tem Cecilia Hupp underscored the challenge of balancing affordable housing demand with high construction costs, often double that of market-rate homes. She noted, “A lot of the cost is coming down from state mandates… All these different mandates add to the cost of housing.” The incentives for developers to build affordable housing remain limited despite these growing needs.

Infrastructure and Water Access: Pillars of Sustainable Growth

The significance of infrastructure planning, particularly water access, was highlighted as critical for sustainable housing development. Adequate water infrastructure is not only necessary for supporting a growing population but also crucial for maintaining public health, agriculture, and fire protection, particularly in drought or wildfire-prone areas.

Mayor Pro Tem John Nielsen of Tustin stated, “You’ve got to plan out and work with the different water districts… to make sure that when you’re doing a project, you’re going to have water.” Long-term planning in infrastructure was also emphasized by Mayor Nguyen of Westminster, who praised past efforts that resulted in strong water reserves.

Enhancing Wildfire Preparedness Amid Insurance Challenges

With rising wildfire risks, cities are adopting proactive measures to protect residents and properties. Mayor Hupp of Brea shared initiatives to enforce defensible space around homes to mitigate fire risks, noting that fire threats are not limited to hillside areas.

Tustin is working with authorities to reinforce both homes and schools, responding to challenges faced during recent wildfires in Los Angeles. These cities are also engaging in educational campaigns with local fire departments and state agencies to promote fire prevention and preparedness.

As the homeowners insurance crisis grows with companies withdrawing from California, Hawkins highlighted the need for policy and industry response to address these challenges.

Partnerships with REALTORS®: A Path to Housing Solutions

The panel concluded with a call for deeper collaboration between local governments and communities, recognizing the vital role REALTORS® play as community advocates. Such partnerships can foster zoning reforms, align affordable housing initiatives, and generate innovative solutions for housing demands in rapidly growing communities. By working together, local governments and REALTORS® can drive sustainable housing policies and more closely align development processes with community needs.

Mayor Nguyen encouraged REALTORS® to engage actively in public processes, stating, “You can voice your opinion. That way we can work together.”

In conclusion, the panel underscored the necessity of innovative local strategies and increased cooperative efforts to address Southern California’s ongoing housing challenges effectively.