In a recent government meeting, officials outlined El Segundo's housing strategy for the 2021-2029 period, emphasizing the need to produce a minimum of 521 new housing units, including 390 affordable units, in response to state mandates. The city is actively working to meet these requirements through three primary avenues: accessory dwelling units (ADUs), approved projects, and rezoning efforts.

The city has already exceeded its projected average of 15 ADUs per year, issuing 85 permits over the past four years, which averages to about 21 units annually. This trend is expected to continue, contributing significantly to the housing goals.

Additionally, the Pacific Coast Commons project, which includes 263 multifamily units with 32 designated for lower-income households, has been approved but is still awaiting construction permits. This project is a key component of the city’s strategy to fulfill its housing obligations.

El Segundo is also focusing on rezoning efforts to facilitate higher density residential developments. Recently, the city council adopted two new zoning overlays: a mixed-use overlay allowing 75 units per acre and a housing overlay permitting 65 units per acre. These changes are projected to generate over 500 new units during the planning period.

Furthermore, a comprehensive update to the downtown specific plan aims to incentivize new construction by lifting maximum density limits and relaxing various standards, potentially leading to the development of up to 300 new units over the next two decades.

The housing element includes seven programs designed not only to encourage new construction but also to preserve existing housing stock. One such initiative, the Residential Sound Insulation (RSI) program, aims to improve residential properties in the northern part of the city, with plans to treat between 60 to 100 units quarterly over the next five years.

Overall, El Segundo's proactive approach to housing development reflects a commitment to addressing the growing demand for affordable housing while enhancing the community's existing residential infrastructure.