A combination of factors including a lengthy appeals process and the cost of construction have led to huge disparities in the number of units allocated to each community.

A report from California's state auditor's office highlighted the disparity in affordable housing requirements for different cities, calling the state's approach ineffective and suggesting that the state "improve its statewide housing plan, harmonize its funding programs, and strengthen its oversight of local jurisdictions."
In the eight years leading up to 2021, California "allocated the city of Newport Beach a total of two units of affordable housing," reports Nigel Duara for Cal Matters. Lake Forest, a city of comparable size and population, was allocated 1,097 units. In the same amount of time, Beverly Hills was allocated three units, while Coachella was allocated 2,614. Because local jurisdictions can lobby to change their allocation during the planning stages, "rich cities have been able to build far less affordable housing units than their inland and less-wealthy counterparts."
Regional housing commissions are now using a new allocation process aimed at more equitably distributing housing units. In the most recent cycle of affordable housing allocation, Newport Beach received 4,834 units. Proponents for revised standards argue that despite high density and land costs, there is a strong need for affordable housing in central areas near transit and jobs. "The new formula skews toward more urban, with a focus on proximity to public transit — also part of a climate goal." Cities like Newport Beach have already started the appeals process.
FULL STORY: Newport Beach was supposed to build 2 affordable units in 8 years — why so little?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites
Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform
A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.
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