Elk Grove settles with state on affordable housing lawsuit
Elk Grove settles with state on affordable housing lawsuit Capital Public Radio News
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Elk Grove Settles Lawsuit Over Affordable Housing Community
Introduction
Elk Grove has settled a lawsuit with the state over an affordable housing community the city denied two years ago. It will move forward with a new development aimed at housing people who’ve previously experienced homelessness.
The Oak Rose Project
The city initially rejected the 67-unit Oak Rose project on the basis that it didn’t comply with a zoning law that requires new buildings to have a retail space on the ground floor.
Violation of State Law
California Attorney General Rob Bonta says that move violated a state law that streamlines affordable housing construction. “Our housing laws are not suggestions. They are not recommendations. They are not optional for your consideration,” he said at a press conference in Sacramento on Wednesday. “They are the law.”
State Lawsuit
The state sued the city earlier this year, saying it had discriminated against residents with low incomes and disabilities. Elk Grove officials have denied any wrongdoing.
Settlement Details
The Attorney General and Governor Gavin Newsom announced the settlement with Elk Grove, which requires the city to pay $150,000 in attorney and expert fees. It also puts reporting requirements on the city for future affordable housing proposals. The city also agreed to build a separate 80-unit building for lower income families in a settlement it reached with the Oak Rose builder earlier this year.
City’s Response
In a written statement, the city of Elk Grove maintained it is proud of its record on affordable housing. It added: “The State’s litigation had no impact on the outcome of that case [the settlement with the Oak Rose builder] and the City is pleased that the State has agreed to settle the matter without significant impact to the City.”
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The settlement between Elk Grove and the state over the affordable housing community aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SDGs include:
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Conclusion
The Newsom Administration has taken legal action against several cities that deny affordable housing construction over the last few years. The settlement between Elk Grove and the state serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to housing laws and promoting affordable housing initiatives to achieve the SDGs.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the issue of affordable housing and discrimination against residents with low incomes and disabilities. These issues are directly connected to SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty, and SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities. Additionally, the article mentions zoning laws and the requirement for new buildings to have a retail space on the ground floor, which relates to SDG 11 and the goal of creating sustainable cities and communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
- SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are SDG 1.4, which focuses on ensuring equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services for the poor and vulnerable, SDG 10.2, which aims to promote inclusion regardless of various factors, and SDG 11.1, which aims to ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
– Indicator 1.4.2 measures the proportion of the population with secure tenure rights to land, which is relevant to SDG 1.4.
– Indicator 10.2.1 measures the proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, which is relevant to SDG 10.2.
– Indicator 11.1.1 measures the proportion of the urban population living in slums or inadequate housing, which is relevant to SDG 11.1.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance. | 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
Source: capradio.org
