Norwalk’s Moratorium Faces Legal Challenge as State Pushes for Housing Solutions
The State of California filed a lawsuit on Monday against the city of Norwalk, accusing the Los Angeles suburb of unlawfully enacting a temporary moratorium on new homeless shelters and emergency housing. The lawsuit, brought by Attorney General Rob Bonta and supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, claims the city’s action violates multiple state housing laws meant to increase affordable and accessible housing.
Moratorium Sparks Legal Action
Norwalk’s City Council passed the moratorium in September, extending a ban on homeless shelters through next year. City officials cited concerns over public safety stemming from state programs that house homeless individuals in local motels. The temporary measure has already blocked a Los Angeles County initiative to provide shelter for homeless individuals in a Norwalk hotel, adding to the ongoing tension between state and local authorities.
California’s lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, seeks to halt Norwalk’s ban. “Our message is clear and consistent,” Bonta stated. “If local governments try to sidestep state housing laws or refuse to address California’s severe lack of affordable housing, we will hold them accountable.”
Governor Newsom Pressures Cities to Act on Housing Crisis
The lawsuit follows a warning from Governor Newsom in September, when he publicly criticized Norwalk and called on city officials to reverse the policy. The governor has committed substantial resources to tackling California’s housing shortage, allocating over $40 billion to affordable housing initiatives and an additional $27 billion to address homelessness. Recently, Newsom announced that cities failing to show results may face cuts to state funding.
Newsom reinforced his stance in a statement on Monday: “No community should turn its back on residents in need. Norwalk’s failure to reverse this ban, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable.”
Conflict Between State and Local Government Intensifies
As California faces a severe housing shortage and rising homelessness, state officials have increased enforcement of housing mandates. Last year, the state sued two cities for rejecting affordable housing projects. In September, Norwalk’s housing plan was revoked, barring it from receiving state funds for housing programs.
The lawsuit is expected to amplify ongoing disagreements over the pace and quantity of housing projects cities should approve. The California Department of Housing and Community Development estimates the state needs to build 2.5 million homes by 2030 to meet demand, though only 100,000 are built annually — and just 10,000 of those are affordable.
Homelessness and Housing as State Priorities
Governor Newsom has made housing and homelessness central to his agenda. Earlier this year, he urged cities to clean up encampments and emphasized the importance of rapid housing development. In recent months, Newsom signed 32 new housing bills to enhance state enforcement powers, aiming to override local resistance and accelerate affordable housing construction.
While Norwalk city officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the lawsuit underscores California’s commitment to enforcing housing regulations and underscores Newsom’s willingness to confront local governments resisting the state’s housing initiatives.