Todd Williams Reviews Court Decision Affecting Charter Cities and Housing Laws

Partner Todd A. Williams recently spoke with The Mercury News regarding the Sixth District Court of Appeal’s decision that San Jose and other California charter cities must abide by the Surplus Land Act, rather enforcing their own ordinances with less-stringent low-cost housing requirements. The Surplus Land Act dictates that when a municipality has land it wants to use, it must offer up that property for subsidized affordable housing. With almost half of California’s population living in a charter city, the decision could have far-reaching implications.

Todd explains that while the decision only applies to the Surplus Land Act, it may provide a guide for defending other state housing laws against similar challenges. He says the decision helps reinforce the idea that the legislature should identify the shortage of housing as an issue of statewide concern.

To read the full article, visit The Mercury News. (subscription required)