The California state senate has passed a bill allowing Los Angeles County to buy fire destroyed property at cheap rates to convert them into low-income affordable housing.
The states upper chamber passed Senate Bill 549 which authorizes the creation of Resilient Rebuilding Authorities (RRA) in Los Angeles County.
The county will be able to purchase fire-destroyed lots (at minimal cost) using property taxes, then convert the lots into low-income and affordable housing – and it bypasses any objection from localities – by taking over control of the area.
If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, it would take effect immediately as an ‘urgency statute.’
Meanwhile only 100 permits have been issued for California residents to rebuild after the Palisades fire destroyed 6,000-7,000 homes/structures – with some estimates putting that number at 12,000.
The plan targets lots that were destroyed by those wildfires including in the Eaton, and Hughes fires.
At least 40% of the RRA’s funding must be allocated to develop low-income housing on these sites – think section 8, homeless, illegal migrants etc.
The bill also prioritizes reconstructing rental stock, and multi-family units – AKA apartments.
The RRA can issue, receive, and administer funds specifically for LA wildfires, including property taxes – and overrides any local authority.
Governor Newsom has already allocated $101 million in state taxpayer funds for multifamily low-income housing developments in wildfire affected areas, which could be used to build the low-income housing if the bill passes – the senate also passed a bill that allows 65 to 75 foot apartment complexes in single family home neighborhoods that are close to bus routes.
The bill has drawn criticism for appearing to contradict Governor Newsom’s previous commitments to wildfire victims.
Critics say SB 549 gives government private property at low cost for public housing, contradicting what Newsom publicly says, and prioritizes low-income development over private rebuilding.
