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HB remains defiant after losing latest legal round in state housing battle
Huntington Beach has been fighting state laws regarding new housing.
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Topline:
A federal appeals court has said Huntington Beach cannot sue California over state housing mandates. But the beach city isn't backing down.
Why now: The decision by a three-judge panel at the Ninth Circuit came on Wednesday.
What's the backstory: The Orange County beach city filed suit against the state in 2023 in an effort to fight the state's order to make way for 40,000 new affordable homes across California.
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What does HB say? Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates has argued that charter cities — such as Huntington Beach — are autonomous and should not have to comply with the state's push for more affordable housing. A lower court — and now, this week, the Ninth Circuit — disagreed.
What's next? Gates told LAist he intends to continue pressing the city's case. "We think this is an error in law and this is not the end," he said.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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