OFFICE OF: Mayor
400 S. Vicentia Ave. P.O. Box 940, Corona, California 92878-0940 City Hall Online All The Time – http://www.CoronaCA.gov Phone: 951-736-2371
Month, Date, 2024
Dear (Recipient's Name),
On behalf of the City of Corona, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the continued infringement on local land use control and development by the state of California.
Local leaders and residents are most knowledgeable to address the challenges and opportunities specific to their communities. For decades, city councils, planners, and community members have worked collaboratively to create development plans that align with local values, address pressing issues, and foster sustainable growth. Efforts by the state to override local control prevent city councils and residents from making decisions that best suit their circumstances is unacceptable and threatens to destroy the character of our neighborhoods and communities.
Local governance plays a crucial role in tailoring development strategies that are suited to the needs, priorities, and character of individual cities. However, state-level laws have undermined cities’ ability to determine their own futures. Legislation has stripped our cities of local control and the ability to plan for the long-term health and vibrancy of communities. While we recognize the need for statewide policies and regulations on many issues, it is equally important to respect the diversity and individuality of our communities when it comes to our built environment.
In the last five years, over one hundred bills have been introduced that diminish city councils' local land use and housing decision-making. Examples include but are not limited to:
SB 9 (Atkins) 2021 – alters the municipal review process for two-unit housing developments on single-family lots and for the subdivision of property. Where the review process used to be subjective and case-by-case, it is now subject to ministerial approval.
AB 2011 (Wicks) 2022 allows for ministerial, by right, approval for affordable housing on land zoned for commercial use.
AB 2097 (Friedman) 2022 eliminates a city’s ability to set parking requirements near transit and particular neighborhoods.
SB 423 (Wiener) 2023 further diminishes local control and undermines local efforts to spur housing production by authorizing streamlined ministerial approvals.
I urge you to oppose any measures that limit cities' decision-making powers regarding land use. By fostering an environment of solidarity on this critical issue, we can protect the diversity and autonomy that make each city unique.
I look forward to a continued discussion on this matter and hope that our collective efforts will lead to a more inclusive and effective approach to land development in our great state that not only meets the pressing housing needs that can and should be addressed, but also protects the unique character and quality of life sought by our residents.
Sincerely,
Tom Richins
Mayor
City of Corona