In a lawsuit against Norwalk, the state of California claims that the city’s ban on new supportive housing and homeless shelters is illegal under a number of housing statutes.
“The Norwalk City Council’s failure to reverse this ban, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable,” Gov. Gavin Newsom stated. “No community should turn its back on its residents in need.”
The lawsuit claims that Norwalk’s policy violates anti-discrimination, fair housing, and other statutes. The Los Angeles Times was the first to report on the lawsuit.
The complaint follows the state Department of Housing and Community Development’s revocation of Norwalk’s compliance with the housing element statute in October, which resulted in the city losing its eligibility to receive state housing and homelessness subsidies.
The Norwalk City Council passed an ordinance in August that prohibited the operation of emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing, among other facilities.
Without debate, the City Council decided to prolong the moratorium in September. HCD sent city officials a “Notice of Violation and Corrective Action Letter” about the ordinance prior to the City Council members’ voting on the extension.
In the past, Newsom has vowed to sue the city if the ordinance isn’t changed.
“It is unfathomable that as our state grapples with a homelessness crisis, Norwalk would pass an ordinance banning the building of homeless shelters,” Newsom stated in September. “It is counterproductive and immoral for any community to throw up their hands and say they’ve done enough while still having people in need. We can’t leave people in dangerous and unsanitary encampments — the city of Norwalk needs to do its part to provide people with shelter and services.”
Among other things, the executive order that Newsom issued in July gave state and municipal authorities the authority to destroy homeless camps.
Following a Supreme Court ruling in late June that gave officials the power to dismantle the camps and give tickets to individuals camping in public in Grants Pass, Oregon, the executive order was issued.
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Some city officials praised the executive order, while others, such as Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, referred to the action as “unfortunate.”
Although Newsom cannot compel local officials to take action, his administration can exert pressure by denying counties and cities funding.
On August 5, 2025, Norwalk’s moratorium extension will come to an end.
