California continues its aggressive push to solve the state’s housing crisis, with Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta successfully compelling the city of Artesia to create a comprehensive housing plan that will generate over 1,000 new homes.

The settlement mandates Artesia develop a housing element for 2021-2029 that includes 608 affordable housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income residents. This action comes after the city repeatedly failed to submit a compliant housing plan, despite multiple warnings from state authorities.

Newsom’s Housing Accountability Unit, launched in 2021, has been instrumental in pushing local jurisdictions to address housing shortages. Since its inception, the unit has supported the development of 10,089 housing units, including 3,328 affordable units, through strategic enforcement actions.

The Artesia settlement is part of a broader statewide strategy to combat California’s long-standing housing challenges. By holding cities accountable and requiring them to create detailed housing plans, the state aims to systematically increase housing availability and affordability.

Interestingly, the state’s approach has shown promising results. While national homelessness increased by over 18% in 2024, California managed to limit its overall increase to just 3% - a significantly lower rate compared to other states like Florida, Texas, and New York.

This settlement represents more than just numbers; it’s about creating opportunities for families who have been priced out of their communities. By mandating the creation of affordable housing units, Newsom’s administration is taking concrete steps to address economic inequality and housing insecurity.

As California continues to lead the way in housing policy, cities like Artesia are being forced to confront their housing challenges head-on, signaling a potentially transformative approach to urban development and social equity.