States, Cities and Counties
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Pa. Community & Economic Development Dept.: Shapiro Administration Tours Affordable Housing Project Site in Erie, Highlights the Need for Critical Infrastructure Funding for Housing
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 16 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Tours Affordable Housing Project Site in Erie, Highlights the Need for Critical Infrastructure Funding for Housing
The Triangle of Hope is three total projects designed to address homelessness in Erie -- offering services for unhoused populations and the community through housing, food bank partnerships, community spaces, and job readiness.
Governor Josh Shapiro recently unveiled the Commonwealth's first-ever Housing Action Plan to ensure
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 16 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Tours Affordable Housing Project Site in Erie, Highlights the Need for Critical Infrastructure Funding for Housing
The Triangle of Hope is three total projects designed to address homelessness in Erie -- offering services for unhoused populations and the community through housing, food bank partnerships, community spaces, and job readiness.
Governor Josh Shapiro recently unveiled the Commonwealth's first-ever Housing Action Plan to ensureevery Pennsylvanian has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
The Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget calls for a $1 billion investment in housing and critical infrastructure to speed up new home construction across Pennsylvania and provide vital rehabilitation funding to maintain existing homes.
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Erie, PA - Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger visited the Washington Square Schoolhouse Apartments housing project in the City of Erie to highlight the critical need for housing infrastructure investments across Pennsylvania.
Under current projections, Pennsylvania will face a shortage of roughly 185,000 homes by 2035 without further action. Housing costs continue to rise at a rate faster than wages, with over one million households in Pennsylvania spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing, and more than 50 percent of the Commonwealth's housing stock is over 50 years old -- making it increasingly more expensive to maintain.
To address these issues, Governor Josh Shapiro created Pennsylvania's first ever Housing Action Plan, which will build and preserve more homes, modernize housing regulations and zoning rules, and break down barriers preventing people from finding stable housing -- all to grow the Commonwealth's economy and improve Pennsylvanians' quality of life.
"The Washington Square Schoolhouse Apartments project is a great example of what can be accomplished when people come together to achieve a common goal -making sure every Pennsylvanian has access to a stable home that sets them up for success," said Secretary Siger. "Governor Shapiro has proposed a bold new $1 billion critical infrastructure fund to invest in projects like this one, and to ensure we increase the number of housing units across the Commonwealth."
Part of the Triangle of Hope Initiative, the former school will be converted into 22 units offering rapid-response housing to chronically unhoused men who have been without a permanent home for at least one year. This project, which could potentially expand to 72 units, will also provide support services for mental health, physical healthcare, addiction recovery, and case management spaces.
The Triangle of Hope projects are in an area with a 14%-18% poverty rate and are designed to offer services for homeless populations and the community at large through housing, food bank partnerships, community spaces, and job readiness.
"Erie County is feeling the same housing strain seen across Pennsylvania. We need common-sense solutions to expand housing options and make communities more affordable," said State Representative Ryan Bizzarro. "Governor Shapiro's plan is such an important step. By investing in development and giving communities the tools they need to address shortages, we can help more families find places to live while strengthening our local economies. If we fail to address the housing shortage, we risk losing economic gains we've already made."
The additional two projects in the Triangle of Hope initiative include the Sacred Heart School through the Mercy Center for Women and St. Paul's neighborhood Center through the Mazzini Charitable Foundation. The Sacred Heart School will offer supportive housing for 20 to 40 women, men, and children, and the St. Paul's neighborhood Center through the Mazzini Charitable Foundation will serve the greater community through partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank Marketplace, and offer social services, nutrition and adult learning, and trade and skills training programs.
The Commonwealth previously invested in the Mercy Center for Women through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to expand the Center's efforts to provide safe and supportive housing for those affected by domestic violence, addition, and mental health challenges. The NAP awards tax credits up to 95% across five subprograms for projects that serve distressed areas and support neighborhood conservation like affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training, or neighborhood assistance.
Governor Shapiro's Housing Action Plan calls for new affordable housing options and reforms that will help meet the demand across the Commonwealth's housingmarkets and outlines a plan to address the housing supply, improve affordability, and stabilize housing outcomes.
The Governor's proposed 2026-27 budget calls for targeted investments to support the Housing Action Plan by:
* Investing $1 billion through the Pennsylvania Program for Critical Infrastructure Investment to build and strengthen Pennsylvania's critical infrastructure.
* Launch a $1 million Investments in Health pilot program to expand stable housing options and reduce homelessness.
* Reducing barriers to residential development by modernizing local planning, zoning, and permitting processes.
* Protecting homeowners and communities from sudden cost increases of manufactured housing options.
* Strengthening housing leadership, coordination, and data sharing across the Commonwealth, increasing partnerships and collaboration at every level to address the critical housing need.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Housing Action Plan or DCED, visit the DCED website (https://dced.pa.gov/).
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Original text here: https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/shapiro-administration-tours-affordable-housing-project-site-in-erie-highlights-the-need-for-critical-infrastructure-funding-for-housing/
New York State Office of Mental Health Announces Efforts to Bolster Maternal Mental Wellbeing
ALBANY, New York, May 16 -- The New York State Office of Mental Health issued the following news release on May 14, 2026:
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NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES EFFORTS TO BOLSTER MATERNAL MENTAL WELLBEING
More than $18.4 Million Available to Expand HealthySteps, an Early Childhood Mental Health Initiative that Screened 108,000 New Yorkers for Maternal Depression in 2025
Office of Mental Health Awards $350,000 in 'Collaborative Care' Grants to Help OBGYN and Family Medicine Practices Provide Behavioral Health Support to Patients
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The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced the
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ALBANY, New York, May 16 -- The New York State Office of Mental Health issued the following news release on May 14, 2026:
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NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES EFFORTS TO BOLSTER MATERNAL MENTAL WELLBEING
More than $18.4 Million Available to Expand HealthySteps, an Early Childhood Mental Health Initiative that Screened 108,000 New Yorkers for Maternal Depression in 2025
Office of Mental Health Awards $350,000 in 'Collaborative Care' Grants to Help OBGYN and Family Medicine Practices Provide Behavioral Health Support to Patients
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The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced theavailability of more than $18.4 million to expand HealthySteps, a successful early childhood mental health initiative that provides tens of thousands of critical depression screenings for new mothers annually. The agency also announced $350,000 in awards through the Collaborative Care program to help OBGYN and family medicine practices provide behavioral health support to their patients.
"It is critical that we focus on maternal mental health and develop the preventative services and supports for families in our state that address the long-standing inequities in care," Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. "Initiatives like HealthySteps, Collaborative Care, Project TEACH and others are providing often life-saving screenings that are also connecting New Yorkers to both prenatal and postpartum supports. Under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership, we are increasing prevention services to improve outcomes and eliminating disparities in care."
"I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership in advancing maternal mental health initiatives in New York State that expand access to critical screenings and services," Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we are reminded that every mother deserves compassion, support, and quality care. We remain committed to ensuring that all mothers feel supported, heard, and empowered."
The state Office of Mental Health made available more than $18.4 million to continue expanding HealthySteps, an innovative program integrating behavioral health professionals with pediatric practices to provide early childhood mental and physical health care. The additional funding will provide 38 new awards to the 152 sites now funding, increasing statewide capacity of the program by about 25 percent once all are fully implemented.
HealthySteps pairs behavioral health specialists with pediatricians, who are often the first point-of-contact new caregivers have with the health care system. These specialists then serve as part of the primary care team during well visits, screening children, and parents for a variety of concerns including behavioral health, developmental concerns and social determinants of health and family needs and then linking them to supports.
In 2025 alone, HealthySteps sites completed more than 108,000 screenings for perinatal depression, identifying cases and connecting parents to support when needed. Altogether, these sites conducted more than 500,000 screenings, helping to track food insecurity, housing instability, substance misuse, tobacco use, transportation, utility, and interpersonal safety.
In addition to the funding availability, OMH also awarded seven $50,000 one-time Collaborative Care grants to help OBGYN and family medicine practices implement evidence-based integrated healthcare for their patients and decrease racial disparities. Award recipients by region include:
Hudson Valley
* WMC-NY Inc., in Valhalla
New York City
* Jamaica Hospital in Queens
* Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx
* William F. Ryan Community Health Center, Inc., in Manhattan
Western New York
* Jericho Road Ministries, Inc., in Buffalo
* Neighborhood Health Center of WNY in Buffalo
* Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in Niagara Falls
This funding will expand the psychiatric collaborative care model at these practices so they can increase perinatal depression and anxiety screenings and integrated treatment -- a recommendation included in the state's first-ever maternal mental health report. Directed by Governor Hochul and released by OMH in November, this report detailed the challenges pregnant and postpartum individuals are facing and made recommendations for improvements statewide.
Previously, Governor Hochul secured a $2.9 million increase to expand Project TEACH, an initiative to assists maternal health providers with screening and treatment of maternal depression and related mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period within their scope of practice. Adopted as part of the FY 2026 State Budget, the expansion has allowed a wider range of front-line practitioners - including doulas, midwives, therapists, WIC staff, home visiting nurses, lactation consultants, caseworkers and others working directly with the perinatal population for consultations with a reproductive psychiatrist or psychologist - to obtain professional training and with support in assessment, and accessing resources.
Every year, an estimated 500,000 - about one in five - mothers in the United States experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. About 75 percent of these individuals are not diagnosed or treated, which can lead to high-risk pregnancies, poor childhood cognitive development due to substance use, self-harm, or suicide.
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Original text here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYOMH/bulletins/41749bb
N.M. Department of Higher Education Dept.: State Pays Law School Tuition in Exchange for Rural Public Service
SANTA FE, New Mexico, May 16 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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State pays law school tuition in exchange for rural public service
New Mexico is expanding legal resources for some of the state's most underserved communities, placing trained attorneys in acequias, land grant-merced communities and colonias across New Mexico.
The Community Governance Attorney Program, housed within the New Mexico Higher Education Department, supports up to two eligible third-year UNM School of Law students each year. Recipients receive financial support
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, May 16 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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State pays law school tuition in exchange for rural public service
New Mexico is expanding legal resources for some of the state's most underserved communities, placing trained attorneys in acequias, land grant-merced communities and colonias across New Mexico.
The Community Governance Attorney Program, housed within the New Mexico Higher Education Department, supports up to two eligible third-year UNM School of Law students each year. Recipients receive financial supportfor tuition, fees and a living stipend during their final year of law school.
After completing the program, the school will cover half of each attorney's salary for their first two years of public service, in exchange for a commitment to practice law in rural and traditionally underserved New Mexico communities.
"By supporting the state's future attorneys in public service, we are building much-needed legal capacity in communities while keeping skilled workers in New Mexico." said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. "This program is critical for strengthening access to legal counsel to underserved communities across New Mexico."
Areas of legal need include public accountability, land use, administrative law and community engagement.
The program was established in 2019.
Learn more at hed.nm.gov about the department financial aid programs.
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Original text here: https://hed.nm.gov/news/state-pays-law-school-tuition-in-exchange-for-rural-public-service
N.J. A.G. Davenport Secures $100,000 Consumer Fraud Penalty Against Flavored Vape Distributor and Its Network of Retailers
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 16 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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AG Davenport Secures $100,000 Consumer Fraud Penalty Against Flavored Vape Distributor and its Network of Retailers
Enforcement Action Latest in Ongoing Efforts Protect NJ Kids from Dangers of Vaping
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that King Distribution, a New Jersey tobacco products distributor, and 17 related retail businesses have entered into a Consent Order resolving allegations that
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 16 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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AG Davenport Secures $100,000 Consumer Fraud Penalty Against Flavored Vape Distributor and its Network of Retailers
Enforcement Action Latest in Ongoing Efforts Protect NJ Kids from Dangers of Vaping
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that King Distribution, a New Jersey tobacco products distributor, and 17 related retail businesses have entered into a Consent Order resolving allegations thatthe companies violated New Jersey's consumer protection laws by illegally selling flavored vapor products. The Consent Order imposes a $100,000 civil penalty on the companies and requires the companies to reform their business practices.
"Flavored vape products are dangerous for kids and teens, and we are committed to keeping them out of our state," said Attorney General Davenport. "Today's announcement demonstrates that New Jersey is not backing down from the fight to stop the spread of illegal flavored vape products. We will use every legal tool at our disposal to hold violators accountable, because kids deserve a future that is free from companies flooding the market with products that lead to nicotine addiction."
King Distribution LLC, based in Clifton, New Jersey, and 17 related smoke shops in Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, and Essex counties (Retailer Respondents) agreed to the settlement terms in a Consent Order filed with the Division today.
The administrative enforcement action is the latest measure taken by New Jersey, a national leader in protecting youth from e-cigarettes and other vapor products with flavors like mint, candy, fruit, and chocolate. In January 2020, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to permanently prohibit retail sale of these products, which are widely appealing to youth and threaten to undermine hard-fought declines in adolescent smoking.
"Any commercial practice that violates State or federal law-including the sale of banned products-is presumed to be an unlawful practice under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act," said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "As today's action demonstrates, the Division will not hesitate to use this authority to protect our residents and preserve the integrity of New Jersey's marketplace."
Based on its investigation, the Division alleged, among other things, that King Distribution sold flavored vapor products to the Retailer Respondents, who in turn offered and sold them to New Jersey consumers. The Consent Order:
* Prohibits Retailer Respondents from selling any vapor product with a characterizing flavor and King Distribution is prohibited from distributing these products to any New Jersey retailers;
* Prohibits individuals or entities that directly or indirectly own or control King Distribution or the Retailer Respondents from selling vapor products with characterizing flavors to consumers in New Jersey and from incorporating, owning, or operating any entity in New Jersey that does so;
* Requires King Distribution to notify buyers at the time of sale that the retail sale of flavored vapor products is illegal in New Jersey, when conducting sales not prohibited by the Consent Order; and
* Requires King Distribution and the Retailer Respondents to reimburse the Division $22,279 for the costs of its investigation.
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The Retailer Respondents are:
Business ... Address ... Town ... County
Amigo Smoke Shop VI LLC ... 653 Anderson Ave. ... Cliffside Park ... Bergen
City Smoke Shop III LLC ... 191 N 5th St. ... Saddle Brook ... Bergen
Magma Smoke Shop II LLC ... 29 Bloomfield Ave. ... Bloomfield ... Essex
Magma Smoke Shop IV LLC ... 475 Franklin Ave. ... Nutley ... Essex
Amigo Smoke Shop II LLC ... 6113 Bergenline Ave. ... West New York ... Hudson
Amigo Smoke Shop III LLC ... 3800 Bergenline Ave. ... Union City ... Hudson
Amigo Smoke Shop V LLC ... 426 32nd ... St. Union City ... Hudson
Amigo Smoke Shop VII LLC ... 2300 Bergenline Ave. ... Union City ... Hudson
Amigo Smoke Shop IX LLC ... 4419 Bergenline Ave. ... Union City ... Hudson
Blue Smoke Shop LLC ... 861 Main St. ... Paterson ... Passaic
City Smoke Shop LLC ... 1134 Main St. ... Paterson ... Passaic
City Smoke Shop II LLC ... 881 Main Ave. ... Passaic ... Passaic
City Smoke Shop IV LLC ... 199 W Broadway ... Paterson ... Passaic
King Smoke Shop I LLC ... 1487 NJ-23 ... Wayne ... Passaic
King Smoke Shop II LLC ... 44 Lexington Ave. ... Passaic ... Passaic
Magma Smoke Shop I LLC ... 684 Main St. ... Paterson ... Passaic
Xtra Smoke Shop LLC ... 1090 Main St. ... Paterson ... Passaic
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New Jersey's Leadership in the Fight Against Flavored Vapor Products
The Consent Order announced today is the latest step in New Jersey's nation-leading efforts stop the spread of flavored vapor products.
Earlier this week, Attorney General Davenport joined a bipartisan coalition of 21 attorneys general urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to scrap draft guidance that would ease approvals for flavored e-cigarette products and to continue its scrutiny of all flavors to protect public health.
Since New Jersey's ban on flavored vaping sales was enacted, the Division has conducted statewide undercover buys and in-store inspections that have resulted in citations and civil penalties against smoke shops, convenience stores, and gift and novelty retailers, many in locations close to schools, parks, or shore town boardwalks.
Last year, the Division inspected 28 flavored vape businesses, issued 16 Notices of Violation, and assessed $72,000 in penalties. Also last year, the Division sent warning letters to nearly 11,000 retailers licensed to sell tobacco as part of a coordinated multi-state enforcement effort to address the unlawful sales of flavored vape products and accessories.
Investigators within the Division's Office of Consumer Protection conducted the investigation into King Distribution, LLC and its associated entities. Assistant Section Chief Monisha A. Kumar and Deputy Attorney General Monica E. Finke, under the supervision of Section Chief Jesse J. Sierant of the Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section, within the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group of the Division of Law, represented the State in the investigation and settlement.
Consent Order (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-0515_King-Distribution-LLC.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-secures-100000-consumer-fraud-penalty-against-flavored-vape-distributor-and-its-network-of-retailers/
Calif. Gov. Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Visit Elmwood Park Zoo, Tour Welcome Center and Veterinary Hospital Built With Commonwealth Funding
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 16 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Visit Elmwood Park Zoo, Tour Welcome Center and Veterinary Hospital Built With Commonwealth Funding
The Shapiro Administration supported the construction of the welcome center and veterinary hospital with a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) award in 2024 - one of more than 400 projects across Pennsylvania supported through over $600 million in RACP investments.
Through RACP, the Shapiro Administration
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 16 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Visit Elmwood Park Zoo, Tour Welcome Center and Veterinary Hospital Built With Commonwealth Funding
The Shapiro Administration supported the construction of the welcome center and veterinary hospital with a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) award in 2024 - one of more than 400 projects across Pennsylvania supported through over $600 million in RACP investments.
Through RACP, the Shapiro Administrationis supporting major agricultural, economic development, and workforce development projects to fuel economic growth, create jobs, and boost local economies.
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Norristown, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro visited the Elmwood Park Zoo alongside local leaders to tour the new 32,000 square foot welcome center featuring a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital - a project supported by a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) award from the Shapiro Administration in 2024.
The new facility includes the Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center, administrative offices, and a gift shop. The 17,000-square-foot veterinary facility is one of the largest and most advanced exotic animal care centers in the country, featuring exam rooms, treatment areas, quarantine facilities, recovery wards, and surgical suites equipped with advanced technology.
"From day one, my Administration has been focused on growing Pennsylvania's economy through strategic investments that strengthen our communities and attract more visitors to our Commonwealth," said Governor Shapiro. "Elmwood Park Zoo has become a major regional destination, growing annual attendance from 119,000 visitors in 2011 to more than 1.3 million today. That's a big deal -- and my Administration will continue to invest in projects that boost tourism, create jobs, and support local economies like this one in Norristown."
RACP is a reimbursement grant program administered by the Governor's Office of the Budget that supports essential design, acquisition, and construction projects across the Commonwealth. The program funds projects with regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, promoting economic growth, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and contributing to vibrant, resilient communities. In 2024, Governor Shapiro announced $600 million supporting over 400 projects across Pennsylvania through RACP.
"We're thrilled to welcome Governor Shapiro to the Elmwood Park Zoo today to share one of the most exciting destinations District 17 has to offer," said Senator Amanda Cappelletti, PA's 17th Senatorial District. "The Zoo brings nature and the beauty of wildlife right into our backyards, and its new Welcome Center and Veterinary Health Center further strengthen its role as a leader in wildlife and environmental conservation. I look forward to continuing my work with the Governor to uplift the Zoo, its staff, their mission, and everything this institution brings to our community."
"The Elmwood Park Zoo has long played an integral role in our community, from offering family-friendly events throughout the year to free admission days for Norristown residents every month," said Representative Greg Scott, PA's 54th House District. "Their commitment to our neighborhood and to the animals they care for is unparalleled. The new facilities we toured today position them to become even stronger leaders in the care of exotic animals, and I'm grateful to Governor Shapiro and every state and local leader who saw this project through to completion."
Over the last three years, the Governor has been laser-focused on strengthening Pennsylvania's economy and growing our workforce -- and it's working. Since taking office, the Governor has made Pennsylvania more competitive, attracting over $41 billion in private-sector investment while creating nearly 23,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth, and earning national recognition.
* Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics.
* Last year, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Commonwealth ranked third in the nation for job growth.
* Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" -- the only Northeastern state to make the list -- and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
* Site Selection Magazine named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation.
These investments build on that progress and strengthen the Governor's commitment to creating jobs, improving infrastructure, strengthening public safety, and making a lasting difference for the communities and people of Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-and-first-lady-shapiro-visit-elmwood-park-zoo
Calif. Gov. Newsom: NIMBYs Be Warned - Court Orders Huntington Beach to Pay Up for Repeated Violations of Housing Law
SACRAMENTO, California, May 16 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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NIMBYs be warned: Court orders Huntington Beach to pay up for repeated violations of housing law
What you need to know: A California superior court today ordered the city of Huntington Beach to pay penalties amounting to $160,000 and an additional $50,000 per month beginning in June for the city's failure to comply with state housing law.
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The city of Huntington Beach was ordered by a Superior Court Judge today to pay financial penalties for its failure to plan for housing
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, May 16 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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NIMBYs be warned: Court orders Huntington Beach to pay up for repeated violations of housing law
What you need to know: A California superior court today ordered the city of Huntington Beach to pay penalties amounting to $160,000 and an additional $50,000 per month beginning in June for the city's failure to comply with state housing law.
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The city of Huntington Beach was ordered by a Superior Court Judge today to pay financial penalties for its failure to plan for housingfor all people of all income levels as required by state law. The order is the result of state litigation against the city which was filed in 2023. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have secured multiple rulings against the city in this lawsuit, including an order by the Fourth District court of appeal last year compelling the city to remedy its violations of state housing law.
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Huntington Beach officials are failing their community by wasting time and vast sums of taxpayer dollars to defend clearly unlawful NIMBY policies and fight against affordability. Citizens in this community should be appalled by their city leaders' actions here which will cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties, with more growing each month. No more excuses -- every city must follow state law and do its part to build more housing.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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"Huntington Beach has obstinately and illegally refused to do its part to address our state's housing crisis, and today, it's paying for it," said Attorney General Bonta. "This civil penalty is a costly lesson for Huntington Beach that drives home the truth we've known all along: No city is above the law. Huntington Beach must stop wasting public funds and avoiding its responsibilities to the public. We expect Huntington Beach to heed the court order and finally step up to serve its residents. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to do our part to uphold the law and fight for affordable housing for all Californians."
The deadline for Huntington Beach to submit a compliant housing element was October 15, 2021 - making the city more than 4.5 years behind schedule. During this time, the city could have been creating more affordable homes for its residents, but instead spent its time fighting to leave people behind and wasting valuable taxpayers' resources.
Today's decision orders the city to pay $10,000 per month for each month since January 2025, with penalties increasing to $50,000 a month beginning in June 2026 until the city cures its violations of state housing law.
In March 2023, the state sued Huntington Beach for violating state law requiring it to update its housing plan. In May 2024, the trial court agreed with the state that the city had violated the law. In September 2024, the Governor signed a new law, SB 1037 (Weiner), imposing a mandatory minimum penalty of $10,000 per month for jurisdictions that refuse to adopt a compliant housing element on time, and requiring that those penalties escalate to $50,000 per month when a jurisdiction fails to meet a court-ordered deadline to bring their housing element into compliance. The court has ordered Huntington Beach to adopt a compliant housing element by May 28, 2026.
More housing. More accountability.
Governor Newsom championed the creation of the Housing Accountability Unit at HCD to ensure cities and counties fulfill their legal responsibilities to plan and permit their fair share of housing. Since its establishment, the Housing Accountability Unit has supported the development of 13,131 housing units, including more than 3,788 affordable units, through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law. In 2024, the Unit was expanded to include a focus on homelessness issues, including compliance with state laws related to homeless housing.
In addition to today's announcement and ongoing work to hold local governments accountable to help their residents and improve affordability, Governor Newsom is creating a structural and foundational model that will have positive impacts for generations to come.
The Governor is streamlining and prioritizing building of new housing, funding new shelters, housing, and supports, holding local governments accountable, addressing mental health and its impact on homelessness through voter-approved Proposition 1, and creating new pathways for those who need it most through updated conservatorship laws and a new CARE court system. California is also addressing encampments statewide to help get people off the streets and into care. All this work is creating positive results.
Last year, as a result of the Governor's strategies to address the housing and homelessness crisis, for the first time in over 15 years, California's unsheltered homelessness decreased by 9.5%. While other states and the nation as a whole continue to see homelessness rising, California is reversing a crisis decades in the making.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/05/15/nimbys-be-warned-court-orders-huntington-beach-to-pay-up-for-repeated-violations-of-housing-law/
'Serious About the Job,': Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Prepares Dispatchers to Serve Their Community
SANTA FE, New Mexico, May 16 -- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
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'Serious about the job,': Public Safety Telecommunicator Training prepares dispatchers to serve their community
Four times a year, up to 30 students from around the state take critical training at the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy with an eye on helping citizens in their community.
The training? The Public Safety Telecommunicator course, for aspiring hired dispatchers in city, county, state, federal or tribal governments in New Mexico (the first
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, May 16 -- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
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'Serious about the job,': Public Safety Telecommunicator Training prepares dispatchers to serve their community
Four times a year, up to 30 students from around the state take critical training at the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy with an eye on helping citizens in their community.
The training? The Public Safety Telecommunicator course, for aspiring hired dispatchers in city, county, state, federal or tribal governments in New Mexico (the firstin the nation to make it mandatory that telecommunicators attend a formal training).
"It is crucial for dispatchers to be prepared for anything at all times," said Barbara Schalkofski, lead telecommunicator and instructor for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety of the training. "They must be ready to handle almost anything that citizens and officers may present. This course equips them to manage real-life scenarios when they enter the field."
The training which has been held at the academy since 1976 is currently wrapping up the 171st class with graduation on May 15. Instruction kicks off with students learning the curriculum within the Association of Public Communications Officials structure. The training then evolves into 911 calls and what to ask; mental health; and legal issues and how to use the National Crime Information Center system. It then transitions to training on the Fire and Emergency Medical Services; how to use a fire extinguisher with information from state fire officials; and finally critical incident management including hazardous materials with the New Mexico State Police. The course concludes with four practical exercise scenarios using the skills learned and a final state examination.
"We teach them how to use Computer Aided Dispatch and how to multitask--being able to talk on the radio and on the telephone at the same time," said Schalkofski. "They are trained to assist in a wide range of different situations. While they may not know everything, they have taken the initiative to learn in order to help the citizens in their community--that's why they are here."
Class 171 graduates are:
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First name ... Last name ... Sending Organization
Alexis ... Baca ... Santa Rosa Police Department
Alexis ... Bilbao ... Albuquerque Police Department Communications Division
Amanda ... Farmer ... Alamogordo Police Department
Alisha M. ... Garcia ... Ruidoso Police Department
Morgan Leann ... Gentry ... Luna County Central Dispatch
Brittanie ... Gleason ... Alamogordo Police Department
Victoriano ... Herrera ... Public Safety Emergency Communications Center of Sandoval County
Brooklynn ... Herweg ... Taos Central Communications Authority
Steven ... Hidalgo ... Public Safety Emergency Communications Center of Sandoval County
Jodi Rai ... Kallestewa ... Zuni Police Department
Rebekah ... Krieger ... Alamogordo Police Department
Adrian ... Leal ... Portales Communications Center
Salomon A. ... Lopez ... Santa Rosa Police Department
Misty G. ... Nunez ... Pueblo of Laguna Communications Program
Mattie ... Rivera ... Taos Central Communications Authority
Alexis ... Romero ... Taos Central Communications Authority
Payton ... Rutter ... Public Safety Emergency Communications Center of Sandoval County
Stella ... Stoico ... Los Alamos Police Department
Chelsea ... Strength ... Clovis Police Department
Christopher ... Trujillo ... Public Safety Emergency Comms Center of Sandoval County
John M ... Turner ... Sierra County Regional Dispatch Authority
Adrianna ... Vigil ... Alamogordo Police Department
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Lead Instructors like Schalkofski must ensure her and her subordinates have an up-to-date curriculum incorporating the latest technology in order to train the students effectively. Greg Archuleta Lynch along with Schalkofski complete the instructor cadre.
"Greg is a stellar instructor," Schalkofski. "Together we have an amazing cadre to teach this curriculum."
Recent additions to the Public Safety Telecommunicator class include CPR, racial sensitivity training and Peer to Peer training (where employees take responsibility for others).
One example of a critical incident management scenario Schalkofski provided involves a "tanker truck that rolls over and gasoline that spills everywhere," where the dispatcher has to use the Critical Incident Command System to be able to manage the incident and properly dispatch resources and public safety personnel to the incident location.
To become a dispatcher, applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED and be able to accurately type 35 words per minute. Interested applicants must pass a background check, a drug test, and a hearing test and must be a citizen or legal resident. Dispatchers work 40 hours per week with the opportunity to work overtime.
Interested? Please email a recruiter for additional information and insight on the application process: communication.recruiting@dps.nm.gov or call one of the recruiters in the following locations - Las Cruces: 505-629-3807; Albuquerque: 505-316-3122; Las Vegas: 505-652-8302.
The next class is August 3-21, 2026.
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Story by New Mexico Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer John Heil.
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Original text here: https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2026/05/15/13672/
