States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Washington Health Officials Assisting With Hantavirus Investigations Involving Two Different Virus Strains in Two Separate Events
OLYMPIA, Washington, May 16 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release:
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Washington health officials assisting with hantavirus investigations involving two different virus strains in two separate events
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is working with local and federal partners on two separate hantavirus-related investigations. One investigation involves individuals potentially exposed to cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, while the other involves a hantavirus infection unrelated to the cruise ship. The cases involve different
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OLYMPIA, Washington, May 16 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release:
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Washington health officials assisting with hantavirus investigations involving two different virus strains in two separate events
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is working with local and federal partners on two separate hantavirus-related investigations. One investigation involves individuals potentially exposed to cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, while the other involves a hantavirus infection unrelated to the cruise ship. The cases involve differentvirus strains and exposure circumstances and are not connected.
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by different rodent species. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious disease caused by exposure to infected rodents or their droppings, urine, or saliva. About one out of three people diagnosed with HPS have died. The risk of contracting any strain of hantavirus remains very low.
Investigation 1: Andes virus exposure monitoring in Washington
Earlier this week, Public Health - Seattle & King County announced monitoring of three King County residents who were potentially exposed to the Andes strain of hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Two individuals were exposed during an international flight by a passenger who was later diagnosed with Andes virus, and one individual was exposed on the cruise ship. All three people are currently asymptomatic. Potentially exposed people are monitored for 42 days after their last exposure to a person infected with the Andes virus.
Additionally, CDC has notified DOH of three additional Washington residents who were on the same international flight as two of the King County individuals and are considered to have low-risk exposures. One individual is a King County resident. The other two residents live in Eastern Washington. DOH is not releasing further details to protect individual privacy. Out of an abundance of caution, local health jurisdictions are reaching out to these individuals to assess exposure and monitor them for symptoms.
Andes virus is a type of hantavirus spread by rodents in South America. The rodents that carry the virus have not been found in the United States. In rare cases, Andes virus can spread from person to person, typically through prolonged, close contact with someone who is ill. No cases of Andes virus have been reported among Washington residents.
Local health jurisdictions are in regular contact with impacted residents to monitor for symptoms during the 42-day incubation period associated with Andes virus.
Investigation 2: Sin Nombre virus hantavirus pulmonary syndrome case in Chelan County
Today Chelan-Douglas Health District reported the first case of Sin Nombre virus hantavirus in Washington state this year. This case is not connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, which was caused by a different type of hantavirus.
Sin Nombre virus-infected deer mice are found throughout Washington. Infected deer mice can spread the virus through urine, saliva, and droppings. People can become infected by breathing contaminated dust when disturbing rodent droppings, urine, nests, or nesting materials, particularly in enclosed or rodent-infested spaces. Less commonly, people can be infected by touching contaminated objects and touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, or by being bitten or scratched by an infected rodent.
Any activity that puts you in contact with deer mouse droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials can place you at risk for infection. For information on how to safely clean areas where rodents may be present, DOH recommends the following guidance.
DOH has tracked hantavirus cases since 1994. The state typically reports one to five Sin Nombre hantavirus cases each year. Unlike Andes virus, Sin Nombre virus does not spread from person to person.
The risk to the public from any hantavirus is very low because:
* Sin Nombre virus infections can be prevented by avoiding contact with rodents and rodent-infested areas and using wet-cleaning methods when cleaning rodent droppings, dead or trapped rodents, or nesting materials.
* Andes virus person-to-person transmission can be limited through early identification of cases and monitoring of close contacts.
Visit DOH's website for additional information on Hantavirus (https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/hantavirus).
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Original text here: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-health-officials-assisting-hantavirus-investigations-involving-two-different-virus
Wash. State Ecology Dept.: Owner of Two Kent Chevron Gas Stations Penalized Over $42,000 for Repeated Safety Violations
OLYMPIA, Washington, May 16 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Owner of two Kent Chevron gas stations penalized over $42,000 for repeated safety violations
KENT - The Washington Department of Ecology issued two penalties totaling more than $42,000 to Mahadev Inc. and the TM Investment Company for repeated violations of state and federal laws regulating underground storage tanks at two Kent gas stations.
These violations include failing to document safety testing and training, and failure to comply with overfill prevention requirements. Underground
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OLYMPIA, Washington, May 16 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Owner of two Kent Chevron gas stations penalized over $42,000 for repeated safety violations
KENT - The Washington Department of Ecology issued two penalties totaling more than $42,000 to Mahadev Inc. and the TM Investment Company for repeated violations of state and federal laws regulating underground storage tanks at two Kent gas stations.
These violations include failing to document safety testing and training, and failure to comply with overfill prevention requirements. Undergroundtanks - like those found at gas stations, industrial sites and commercial properties - are out of sight, but need to be properly inspected and maintained to prevent hazardous materials stored in the tanks from contaminating the surrounding soils and groundwater.
Ecology regulates over 8,500 tanks at more than 3,400 facilities, and inspectors work closely with facility owners to make sure tanks and piping systems are installed, maintained, and monitored to prevent releases of hazardous material into the environment.
Mahadev Inc. and the TM Investment Company are owned by David (Devendra) Malik who is responsible for the two sites identified in the penalty--Central Chevron and Kangley Chevron in Kent. He also owns several other gas stations across King County.
Ecology inspectors have provided education, training, and guidance to Malik across all his sites for more than two decades. Inspections have continued to find violations, increasing the potential for a major release.
"We've spent hundreds of hours spanning years trying to gain compliance to no avail," said Kim Wooten, Ecology's Northwest region Toxics Cleanup section manager. "David Malik needs to properly maintain and monitor his underground fuel tanks consistent with federal and state laws to ensure the public and environment are protected."
The penalty may be appealed within 30 days to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board.
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Original text here: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2026/ustkentpenalty
Pa. Environmental Protection Dept.: Shapiro Administration Investments in Robert A. Borski Jr. Park Turn Former Industrial Site Into Community Park
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 16 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on May 14, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Investments in Robert A. Borski Jr. Park Turn Former Industrial Site into Community Park
Governor Shapiro has called for $20 million in his 2026-27 budget proposal to stabilize the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) program until permanent funding is found
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Philadelphia, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley and local officials highlighted the success of an Act 2 Land
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 16 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on May 14, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Investments in Robert A. Borski Jr. Park Turn Former Industrial Site into Community Park
Governor Shapiro has called for $20 million in his 2026-27 budget proposal to stabilize the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) program until permanent funding is found
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Philadelphia, PA - Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley and local officials highlighted the success of an Act 2 LandRecycling Program project at Bridesburg Riverfront Park, now known as the Robert A. Borski Jr. Park, where a heavy industrial site was transformed into a vibrant public park and environmentally restored riverfront community destination. DEP's technical review was performed by staff funded through the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA).
"The Robert A. Borski Jr. Park represents a powerful example of transforming Pennsylvania's industrial legacy into a community asset and a safe space for residents to enjoy," said Secretary Shirley. "For decades, this site along the Delaware River in Philadelphia was a heavily used industrial property - first for oil manufacturing, then for concrete and asphalt production. Thanks to HSCA funded DEP staff from the Land Recycling Program, that same 10-acre property is being redeveloped into a beautiful, vibrant public park, turning a once underutilized and contaminated space into an important asset."
Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a one-time $20 million transfer in the 2026-27 budget proposal to support HSCA, which will help continue the critical state-led site investigations and remediation projects, and begin the conversation that finding a permanent funding source is critical to the environment and human health.
"Borski Park would not be possible without the Hazardous Site Cleanup Program. We are grateful to the PA DEP for recognizing the potential of this land as a benefit to the community and the ecology of the Delaware River" said Riverfront North Partnership Executive Director Stephanie Phillips. "It has brought the riverfront back to life."
"Years ago, this was a brownfield that was so overgrown and polluted you couldn't see the river, let alone want to lay out a blanket and enjoy the view," said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. "Today, though, Robert A. Borski, Jr. Park is a beautiful park that gives residents access to fresh air, spaces to move their bodies joyfully, and places where they can be part of the community. Our goal is to make sure that residents thrive, not just survive. Thanks to the state's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program and Fund, that is not just a pipe dream: it is a reality."
The park has come a long way from its days of heavy industrial use. In the 1900s, the site was an oil manufacturing facility. By the 1940s, oil operations ceased, and a concrete and asphalt manufacturing facility operated for several decades. At this time there was extensive industrial activity with materials being processed on-site and residual concrete being washed off trucks and discharged into the Delaware River. The site was abandoned in the late 1980s and in May 2000 was acquired by the City of Philadelphia through the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (PAID). At this time, the site was primarily used for vehicle storage and repairs. The City of Philadelphia began plans to redevelop the site into a public park. In September 2018, DEP received a Notice of Intent to Remediate from the Parks & Recreation Department.
Before remediation efforts began the land experienced environmental challenges and limited community value. While these conditions did not make redevelopment impossible, they required careful planning, scientific evaluation, and targeted cleanup to ensure the site would be safe for public use. This was made possible by the Act 2 program that HSCA helps fund.
Cleanup and remediation activities undertaken at the site through the Act 2 program included: soil remediation, removal of contaminated soils, excavation of lead-impacted soils exceeding health standards, proper off-site disposal at licensed facilities, installation of clean soil caps (over two feet thick in some areas), and construction of an impermeable geomembrane liner beneath stormwater infrastructure.
Through DEP's efforts, the site now meets Pennsylvania's rigorous environmental standards and is safe for public use. Redevelopment of the land has already delivered new walking trails, green space, stormwater management improvements, habitat restoration and native plantings, and public access to the Delaware River.
The HSCA program conducts initial investigations into land and water pollution to identify responsible parties. When none can be found, HSCA funding supports cleanup solutions such as land remediation and water treatment. The program also drives economic development by supporting redevelopment through Pennsylvania's Act 2 program, which has approved 13,688 cleanups across all 67 counties since 1995.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/newsroom/2026-05-14-shapiro-administration-investments-in-robert-a-borski-jr-park
N.M. Economic Development Dept.: State Launches First-Ever $100,000 Outdoor Equity Fund Grants for High-impact Youth Programs
SANTA FE, New Mexico, May 16 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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State launches first-ever $100,000 Outdoor Equity Fund grants for high-impact youth programs
Letters of interest open June 1-12 for expanded funding tier
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SANTA FE (May 15, 2026) - New Mexico is expanding its Outdoor Equity Fund with a new grant tier offering grants up to $100,000 to organizations delivering large-scale outdoor programs for youth statewide.
The new Tier 2 category, offered through the state's Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD), under the Economic Development
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, May 16 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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State launches first-ever $100,000 Outdoor Equity Fund grants for high-impact youth programs
Letters of interest open June 1-12 for expanded funding tier
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SANTA FE (May 15, 2026) - New Mexico is expanding its Outdoor Equity Fund with a new grant tier offering grants up to $100,000 to organizations delivering large-scale outdoor programs for youth statewide.
The new Tier 2 category, offered through the state's Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD), under the Economic DevelopmentDepartment of New Mexico (EDNM), is designed for organizations with the capacity to deliver large-scale programming, expand outdoor access and deepen community impact for New Mexico youth.
"This new funding tier reflects the growing demand for outdoor programs across New Mexico and the incredible work organizations are already doing in communities statewide," said EDNM Secretary Rob Black. "By increasing available funding, we can support programs reaching more youth with meaningful outdoor experiences that improve health, build confidence, strengthen communities and create lasting connections to the outdoors."
The FY27 Outdoor Equity Fund application cycle officially opens July 1 and closes July 30 at 5 p.m. Organizations seeking Tier 2 funding ($41,001-$100,000) must first submit a letter of interest between June 1 and 12. Those accepted will receive an invitation to apply.
A mandatory informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 12:00 PM. Register at bit.ly/oeftier2info. A recording will be provided for registered participants unable to attend live.
Tier 2 funding is intended for organizations with demonstrated capacity to deliver high-impact outdoor programming for youth. Competitive projects may include expanded geographic reach, multi-site programming, strong partnerships, workforce development opportunities and measurable outcomes.
Tier 2 applicants must meet the following requirements:
* Have an annual operating budget of at least $500,000
* Provide matching funds: 50% for urban applicants and 25% for rural and Tribal applicants, reflecting the program's commitment to equitable access
* Complete programming within 24 months
* Demonstrate robust program evaluation and outcome measurement practices
The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division and the Outdoor Equity Fund were established in 2019 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to ensure all New Mexico youth, regardless of income, background, or location, have access to meaningful outdoor experiences. Since launch, the Outdoor Equity Fund has awarded $10.5 million, connecting more than 128,000 youth across 28 counties and Tribal communities to outdoor experiences throughout New Mexico.
Visit nmoutside.com/outdoor-equity-fund to review the grant guide, register for webinars and apply.
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Original text here: https://www.edd.newmexico.gov/press-releases/state-launches-first-ever-100000-outdoor-equity-fund-grants-for-high-impact-youth-programs/
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
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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
Ga. A.G. Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Indicts Three for Deadly Assault in Dougherty County
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 16 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Indicts Three for Deadly Assault in Dougherty County
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that three individuals have been indicted in Dougherty County in connection with the death of 24-year-old Ricky Williams, who was beaten and passed away as a result of his injuries on Jan. 4, 2026. As asserted in the indictment, the defendants are members of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods (IFGB), and they are alleged to have committed
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ATLANTA, Georgia, May 16 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 15, 2026:
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Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Indicts Three for Deadly Assault in Dougherty County
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that three individuals have been indicted in Dougherty County in connection with the death of 24-year-old Ricky Williams, who was beaten and passed away as a result of his injuries on Jan. 4, 2026. As asserted in the indictment, the defendants are members of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods (IFGB), and they are alleged to have committedthe assault in furtherance of the gang. All three are facing various charges, including Felony Murder.
"The violence that's taken place in Dougherty County is absolutely unacceptable, and we're going after those responsible," said Attorney General Chris Carr. "That's why we expanded our Gang Prosecution Unit to Albany, and we're fighting each day to keep Georgians safe. If you're engaged in gang activity and putting families and children at risk, we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
This case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit.
"The Albany Police Department remains committed to working alongside the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit to hold violent offenders accountable," said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley. "The death of Ricky Williams was a tragic and senseless loss, and we are steadfast in our efforts to protect our community from gang related violence. We appreciate the continued partnership that helps ensure those who threaten the safety of our residents are brought to justice."
Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods
The Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods is based out of Inglewood, California, and is one of the oldest Blood sets. It has several subsets, including the 80's (most common in Albany, Georgia) and 77th.
Altogether, Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit, which has a regional office in Albany, has worked with the Albany Police Department to secure nearly 20 convictions in Dougherty County alone with 15 of those convictions involving individuals associated with the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods. This includes several members and high-ranking IFGB associates who were previously convicted in connection with the trafficking of a missing 16-year-old female. More information about that case can be found here (https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2025-04-30/carr-dougherty-county-gang-member-convicted-trafficking-missing-teen).
Dougherty County Indictment
On May 13, 2026, the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Dougherty County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Konterrious Floyd, Levontay McDaniel, and Kawaski Brantley.
Specifically, the defendants are facing the following charges.
Konterrious Floyd (aka "Dan the Man"), 28, of Albany:
* 1 count of Felony Murder
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 10 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Illegal Use of Communication Device
Levontay McDaniel (aka "YBA Jit"), 26, of Sylvester:
* 1 count of Felony Murder
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 10 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Illegal Use of Communication Device
Kawaski Brantley (aka "Hvncho Gotti"), 33, of Hampton:
* 1 count of Felony Murder
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
A copy of the indictment can be found here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/051426-dougherty-county-gang-indictmentpdf/download). No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
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About the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit
In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.
Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has investigated and prosecuted cases in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bibb, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Lowndes, Muscogee, Richmond, Spalding, Thomas, Upson and Washington counties, with more than 130 convictions secured across the state.
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Southeast Georgia.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-05-15/carrs-gang-prosecution-unit-indicts-three-deadly-assault-dougherty-county
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
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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/
