The state of California has taken decisive action against the city of Norwalk by withholding future housing and homelessness funds due to the city’s decision to enact a moratorium on building homeless shelters. Governor Gavin Newsom announced on October 3, 2024, that Norwalk’s temporary ban on emergency shelters, enacted in August and extended for ten months in September, violates state housing laws. Newsom emphasized that the city could face legal action if it does not reverse its decision.
Norwalk, located in Los Angeles County with a population of about 100,000, passed the moratorium to address concerns about public safety and maintain local control over land use. Despite these justifications, the state views the moratorium as obstructive to California’s broader efforts to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis.
City officials, following a closed session, decided not to enforce the moratorium while they seek a resolution with state and county officials. However, Governor Newsom stated that the city’s decision to delay enforcement was insufficient, calling for the full repeal of the ban. “No more excuses—every city, including Norwalk, must do its part and follow state housing laws,” Newsom said in a statement.
Norwalk Mayor Margarita Rios defended the city’s stance, citing concerns over the impact of local housing programs, particularly Project Roomkey, which placed homeless individuals near schools and homes. Despite this, state officials argue that Norwalk’s refusal to comply with housing laws undermines ongoing efforts to combat the homelessness crisis. The city’s housing element is now deemed noncompliant, and the state has warned of potential legal action under the “builder’s remedy,” a tool that could bypass the moratorium altogether.
