From: Pat Goodman
To: CITY COUNCIL (INCL. CMO STAFF); [email protected] Subject: Consideration of Closed Session Item # 1 an #2 for the 10/21/25 Agenda - Follow the Law Date: Monday, October 20, 2025 3:45:43 PM
Dear Mayor Burns and City Council,
I hope you will take into consideration the importance of approving the 2021– 2029 Housing Element during your deliberation of Agenda Item #1 . This plan
is long overdue and your approval would go a long way toward demonstrating to the court that Huntington Beach is acting in good faith to comply with state law while continuing to manage any housing-related lawsuits and appeals responsibly.
Adopting a certified Housing Element will also help the city maintain local control over zoning and planning decisions, in my humble opinion.
Without
a certified Housing Element our city is missing out on grants related to housing and homeless services.
I am aware of SB 79 and its potential impact on housing density within a half-mile of transit centers. It would be forward-thinking for the city to proactively consider parking and infrastructure solutions should such projects be proposed. It’s always better to plan ahead than to react after the fact.
It’s important to remember that the Housing Element is a plan, not a mandate to build. As one friend put it, “It’s like setting the table—you don’t have to eat.” The city will set the table for responsible housing development, but it will ultimately be up to property owners and developers to pursue individual projects.
This housing lawsuit has tied up city resources for nearly three and a half years—resources that could be better spent on other priorities.
By the way, this logic applies to Agenda Item #2.
Follow the law and pursue
whatever lawsuits and appeals that are in the best interest of Hunington Beach.
Thank you for your time, and I hope you will consider this perspective when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Pat Goodman
Huntington Beach, CA 10/21/25
2 (25-824)