Housing development progress in Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills City Council examined the city’s Housing Element progress on March 18, addressing the need for 3,100 new housing units by 2029. Despite challenges with certification, the city has made strides, issuing permits for 82 units in 2024 and developing 727 more. The Council also discussed its Legislative Platform, highlighting co-sponsorship approaches and reevaluating sanctuary city laws. The deadline for submitting the progress update to the state is April 15, which adds urgency to their efforts in managing housing needs amidst legislative challenges.
In the glitzy city of Beverly Hills, the City Council has been hard at work, diving into the important topic of the Housing Element. On March 18, the council took a deep look at the progress made so far, which will soon be sent to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This update is a vital step as the city works under the watchful eye of state compliance pressure.
Beverly Hills has been on a long journey with its Housing Element, getting it certified back in May 2024 after facing a rollercoaster of revisions and negotiations. Things weren’t smooth sailing, given that four formal versions of this plan were rejected by HCD between 2021 and 2023. Along the way, state officials requested dozens of amendments, pushing Beverly Hills to tweak its housing plan for maximum compatibility with state laws.
The final version of the Housing Element now obligates Beverly Hills to permit around 3,100 new housing units by 2029. As of the latest review during the meeting, the city has already issued building permits for 82 new units in 2024. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, with an additional 727 new housing units currently in development pipelines. This progress has plumped up the number of housing units being worked on in Beverly Hills more than what has been seen in the last fifteen years combined, according to the assistant city manager.
The clock is ticking for the city council as they need to submit this progress update to HCD by April 15. With the right amount of effort and dedication, Beverly Hills stands a chance to meet its housing requirements while maintaining its reputation as a luxurious living destination.
In an additional discussion, the council also reviewed proposed changes to its 2025 Legislative Platform. This platform covers how the city addresses sponsorship and co-sponsorship of legislation. The ideas stem from the Legislative/Lobby Liaison Committee, which includes several members who have unique insights into the legislative landscape.
The topic of co-sponsorship caught Mayor Lester Friedman’s attention, as he expressed concerns about introducing new sponsorship components. Traditionally, the city’s focus has been on legislative support rather than creating partnerships for new legislation. On the flip side, Vice Mayor Nazarian pointed out that during recent talks with state legislators in Sacramento, there was a welcoming attitude toward co-sponsorship with Beverly Hills.
The council also explored the idea of sanctuary city laws. Councilmember Mirisch suggested that Beverly Hills should steer clear of declarations around such definitions. Some members argued that the city’s current cooperation with federal law enforcement makes the sanctuary city language unnecessary. Meanwhile, Councilmember Mary Wells advocated for accountability concerning fire code enforcement and updating the city’s aging infrastructure, making sure the platform focuses on practicality alongside legislative goals.
City staff will take all this feedback into account, making necessary revisions to the Legislative Platform. This updated version will be presented again at the upcoming April 22 Regular Meeting, and residents can look forward to seeing how these discussions evolve.
Overall, Beverly Hills is moving forward with its housing efforts amid challenges and excitement, showcasing its commitment to maintaining a glamorous yet functional community fit for all its residents.
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