Santa Barbara County is at the crossroads of state housing mandates and local planning control, and the latest flashpoint is the Richards Ranch project in Orcutt. On April 8, the Board of Supervisors unanimously overturned a previous staff ruling, marking a pivotal moment for the controversial mixed-use development, and reaffirming California’s powerful Builder’s Remedy provision. Here's a breakdown of what the decision means and why it matters.

Housing affordability and availability remain critical challenges in California. With the enactment of SB 684 and the upcoming implementation of SB 1123, new avenues for small-scale residential development are opening up, promising to bring much-needed relief to homebuyers and the broader community. These laws streamline the entitlement process for small "starter" home developments, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and allowing for more efficient housing production. But how exactly will these changes impact California as a whole?

Thousand Oaks is witnessing significant developments in its housing landscape, with two major multifamily projects poised to reshape the community. These initiatives aim to address the city's growing demand for residential and mixed-use spaces.

In a meaningful step toward addressing California’s ongoing housing crisis, the city of Simi Valley has approved a plan to construct a 26-unit affordable housing complex on the site of an existing church. This innovative project not only represents a creative use of underutilized land but also highlights the power of community partnerships in creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions.

California's housing crisis has prompted innovative solutions to increase housing availability and revitalize underutilized spaces. One such approach involves transforming existing structures and areas—like parking lots, vacant retail spaces, and shopping malls—into mixed-use developments that incorporate residential units. A notable example is the recent proposal for the Simi Valley Town Center.

Santa Maria, CA – March 27, 2025

The Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit served as a critical platform for industry leaders to confront the multifaceted challenges of housing development in California. Through collective efforts and innovative approaches, there is hope for a more efficient and responsive housing development process that aligns with both environmental stewardship and the pressing need for affordable housing.​