Explore the latest scholarly articles, case commentaries, and legal analyses in the California Western Law Review. As a prestigious legal periodical, we are committed to fostering a community of academic excellence, contributing insightful discourse to the evolving field of law. Discover fresh perspectives, innovative theories, and the seminal works of seasoned professionals and budding legal minds alike. Join us in shaping the narrative of modern jurisprudence.
SUMMARY
Housing unaffordability has reached a critical point in California, and San Diego has recently ranked as one of California’s least affordable cities. The housing crisis is top of mind for many Californians, whether they are in search of housing for themselves and their families, or they see the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness or inhabiting tents on the streets of their city’s downtown core. While the cost of housing continues to skyrocket nationwide, most of the responsibility for maintaining affordability rests with states and localities. California has pledged to make significant investments in affordable housing for low-income Californians, and many of the bills signed as part of that plan require cities and counties to amend their land use regulations to prioritize housing.
However, the impacts of those improvements are unlikely to materialize for years, while the immediacy of the crisis grows more and more dire by the day. For example, in downtown San Diego, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness nearly doubled between January of 2021 and January of 2022. Meanwhile, rents across the San Diego region rose by almost 30 percent in 2021, exacerbated by the reduction in the number of homes on the market. Moreover, extralegal issues such as local opposition to increased density, known colloquially as “NIMBY” or “Not In My Back Yard,” hamper development of new housing, even where state and local laws have allowed for it. Those opposing density, while vocal, often represent the interests of few at the expense of many.
To this end, the California Western Law Review is hosting a symposium in March of 2023 for the purpose of facilitating a comprehensive discussion on the topic of housing in California focusing on both housing availability and affordability. Ultimately, the goals of the symposium are to identify and develop short- and long-term policy solutions aimed at improving housing affordability, preventing middle-income families from being squeezed out of the market, and achieving safe, dignified housing opportunities for those currently experiencing homelessness.
The California Western Law Review Symposium will take place on campus at California Western School of Law on March 23, from 12:30-5:30 P.M., followed by a hosted networking reception. MCLE credits are available for California attorneys.