Introduction to the Settlement
The city of Norwalk will repeal a local law passed last year that banned homeless shelters as part of a settlement that will end a state lawsuit, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said Friday. Last fall, the state sued the southeastern Los Angeles County community alleging that Norwalk’s policy violated anti-discrimination, fair housing and numerous other state laws.
Background of the Dispute
Norwalk leaders had argued its shelter ban, which also blocked homeless housing developments, laundromats, payday lenders and other businesses that predominantly served the poor, was a necessary response to broken promises from other agencies to assist with the city’s homeless population. “The Norwalk City Council’s failure to reverse this ban without a lawsuit, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “No community should turn its back on its residents in need — especially while there are people in your community sleeping on the streets.”
Terms of the Settlement
The settlement, which needs judicial approval before taking effect, calls for Norwalk to repeal its ban at an upcoming City Council meeting, Bonta said in a release. In addition, the city will dedicate $250,000 toward the development of new affordable housing, formally acknowledge that the ban harmed fair housing efforts and accept increased state monitoring of its housing policies.
State’s Position on Homeless Housing
Bonta said that the legal action shows the state will not back down when local leaders attempt to block homeless housing. “We are more than willing to work with any city or county that wants to do its part to solve our housing crisis,” Bonta said. “By that same token, if any city or county wants to test our resolve, today’s settlement is your answer.”
Norwalk’s Unique Position
Norwalk officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Norwalk stood out compared to other communities that have found themselves in the state’s crosshairs in recent years. Many cities that have fought state housing policies, such as Beverly Hills and Coronado, are predominantly wealthy and white. By contrast, Norwalk is a Latino-majority, working- and middle-class city. Elected leaders in the city of 100,000 have said they’ve borne a disproportionate burden of addressing homelessness in the region.
Previous Actions by Norwalk
Though the ban led to the cancellation of a planned shelter in Norwalk, city leaders contended that the policy largely was a negotiating tactic to ensure that the state and other agencies heard their concerns. Last year, the city said that even though the shelter ban remained on its books, it would not be enforced. “This is not an act of defiance but rather an effort to pause, listen, and find common ground with the state,” city spokesperson Levy Sun said in a statement following a February court ruling that allowed the lawsuit to proceed.
Conclusion
The settlement marks a significant step towards addressing the homelessness crisis in Norwalk and sets a precedent for other cities in the state. By repealing the ban and committing to affordable housing development, Norwalk is taking a crucial step towards providing much-needed support to its vulnerable populations. The state’s firm stance on enforcing housing laws and policies will likely have a ripple effect, encouraging other cities to reevaluate their approaches to homelessness.
FAQs
- Q: Why did the state sue Norwalk?
- A: The state sued Norwalk for violating anti-discrimination, fair housing, and other state laws by banning homeless shelters and related businesses.
- Q: What does the settlement require Norwalk to do?
- A: The settlement requires Norwalk to repeal its ban on homeless shelters, dedicate $250,000 to affordable housing development, acknowledge the harm caused by the ban, and accept increased state monitoring of its housing policies.
- Q: How does Norwalk’s situation differ from other cities that have fought state housing policies?
- A: Norwalk is a Latino-majority, working- and middle-class city, unlike many other cities that have fought state housing policies, which are often predominantly wealthy and white.
- Q: What message does the settlement send to other cities in the state?
- A: The settlement sends a clear message that the state will enforce its housing laws and policies, and cities that attempt to block homeless housing will face legal action.
