Housing Laws in MB

Recent proposed multi-family housing projects have garnered a lot of attention in the community, raising such questions as, "Why is the city allowing these higher density developments? Will they provide housing that people who work in MB (like teachers) can afford? Will it be enough? Are there better options to address the shortage of housing?"

These and many other questions were addressed by two experienced local government professionals, Jeff Kiernan of CalCities (a membership organization of nearly all California cities that advocates for local control of matters like zoning) and MB United member Mike Jenkins, a municipal attorney who teaches local government law at USC law school.

Councilmember Nina Tarnay moderated the discussion, not as a city representative but instead as an informed member of the community considering the housing issues the city should better address and the new laws the city must contend with.

About 40 people gathered to partake in this discussion and expressed interest in continuing the conversation. As Nina put it, “we are lucky to live in a community with so many smart, creative residents. I like these opportunities to discuss and think together because if anyone can come up with better ways to address these issues, it is our residents.”

MB United will continue to organize community conversations - look for announcements in this newsletter. 

Specific housing information can be found on the City of Manhattan Beach website.