Carlsbad officials raise concerns over SB 445 housing funding and local control issues

The City of Carlsbad's Legislative Subcommittee convened on July 8, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding homelessness and housing funding, as well as local governance in transportation planning. A significant point of discussion was the challenges faced by cities like Carlsbad in meeting new housing element requirements without access to state funding, specifically the HOP funding, which is only available to the City of San Diego and the County of San Diego. This disparity raises concerns about how cities will finance the additional planning and work required.

Committee members expressed apprehension about the effectiveness of proposed legislation aimed at achieving "functional zero" in homelessness. While the bill allows for increased interim housing and shelter options, members highlighted that true progress towards functional zero is only realized when individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Without a clear plan for these transitions, the legislation may not fulfill its intended goals.

Another topic of concern was Senate Bill 445, which would grant transit agencies the authority to begin construction on projects without thorough local review if deadlines are not met. This could undermine local control and the ability to assess environmental impacts, prompting committee members to seek further information and potentially take a position on the bill.

Additionally, the committee discussed Assembly Bill 1231, which aims to unwind enhancements from Proposition 36, allowing for alternatives to jail time for certain felons. This bill was added to the committee's priority list for further consideration.

The meeting concluded with a call for future discussions on disaster preparedness and flood management, emphasizing the importance of community safety in light of recent events. The committee plans to invite relevant speakers to address these critical issues in upcoming meetings.