- austink36
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Mayors Share Housing Solutions at CCRE’s Local Government Panel
At a Center for California Real Estate (CCRE) panel on Wednesday, July 23 in Costa Mesa, local government leaders from across came together to discuss the state’s housing crisis and how they are addressing these challenges in their communities. The conversation explored everything from meeting state housing mandates to wildfire preparedness, infrastructure planning, and the role REALTORS® can play in advancing solutions.
1. Cities are innovating to create housing despite challenges from state mandates
Lake Forest Mayor Scott Voigts summed up a common theme: “I think that with all the mandates that are coming in from the state of California, we're struggling… that's something that we're dealing with on a daily basis.”To meet state-mandated Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) targets, cities are getting creative—streamlining permitting processes, offering financing tools like silent second loans, and rezoning underutilized commercial and industrial parcels to make room for housing.
2. Water access and infrastructure planning remain central to sustainable development
Housing growth can’t happen without adequate infrastructure. Panelists stressed the need for careful, proactive planning to ensure long-term water access and capacity. Tustin Mayor Pro Tem John Nielsen emphasized the importance of collaboration: “You’ve got to plan out and work with the different water districts… to make sure that when you’re doing a project, you’re going to have water.”
3. Cities are stepping up wildfire preparedness efforts as insurance pressures mount
Rising insurance costs and expanding high-risk fire zones are forcing cities to act. Panelists described how their jurisdictions are working with CAL FIRE, local fire agencies, and community partners to promote defensible space, modernize infrastructure, and educate residents—no matter where they live. As Brea Mayor Pro Tem Cecilia Hupp warned, “You may be in the center [of the city]… but you're still at risk.”
4. REALTORS® are key partners in advancing local housing solutions
REALTORS® are not only market experts—they’re also trusted community connectors who can help cities communicate effectively with residents. Westminster Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen encouraged collaboration: “You can voice your opinion. That way we can work together,” underscoring the role REALTORS® can play in shaping public understanding and support for housing initiatives.
By bringing together city leaders, this panel highlighted how collaboration—across government, industry, and the real estate profession—is essential to addressing California’s housing challenges.
Watch the full panel discussion for more information.
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