Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laguna Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in development with high priority
State housing mandates and RHNA
The council weighed in on the Grand Jury's critique of California's housing mandates, agreeing the RHNA system is confusing but defending the city's own fee practices. Members vowed to fight for a better allocation in the seventh cycle, when the city's number could drop from nearly 2,000 units.
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Consideration
New rules require 15% of units in residential projects of 10+ homes to be affordable, with developers able to pay fees ($41.20/sq ft rental, $61.40/sq ft ownership) instead. Supporters call it a major step for affordability; critics say it raises housing costs or lets wealthy developers buy out.
Oakbrook Plaza Senior Housing Project
The plan puts 200 affordable units for seniors next to the transit hub in phase one, helping chip away at a deficit of roughly 907 low- and very-low-income units. Advocates pushed for family and workforce housing too.
Terravita 480-unit housing development
Kingsbarn wants to replace seven office buildings near Mill Creek and Ridge Route with 480 homes, including 24 affordable units and a six-story parking structure. Neighbors packed the hearing both for and against; the Agency approved it 4-1.