Half Moon Bay Defends Housing Record After Newsom's Warning

City says it's nearing a third of its housing target despite state pressure.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:34pm

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The coastal city of Half Moon Bay has defended its housing production record after receiving a 'final warning' from California Governor Gavin Newsom over its failure to meet state-mandated housing goals. The city claims it has built 144 new housing units since 2023, nearly a third of its overall target.

Why it matters

Half Moon Bay, like many California cities, has struggled to keep up with the state's aggressive housing production mandates aimed at addressing the ongoing affordability crisis. Newsom's warning highlights the tension between local control and state intervention on this issue.

The details

According to city officials, Half Moon Bay has constructed 144 new housing units since 2023, putting it on pace to meet about 30% of its state-required housing production target by the end of the current planning cycle. However, the city has faced criticism from the state for falling behind on its obligations under California's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) program.

  • Half Moon Bay says it has built 144 housing units since 2023.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who issued a 'final warning' to Half Moon Bay over its housing record.

Half Moon Bay

A coastal city in California that has defended its housing production efforts despite state pressure to do more.

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What they’re saying

“We are making progress, but there is still more work to be done. We remain committed to addressing the housing crisis in our community.”

— Mayor Debbie Ruddock, Mayor of Half Moon Bay

What’s next

The state has indicated it may take legal action against Half Moon Bay if the city does not significantly accelerate its housing production in the coming years to meet its RHNA targets.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing tension between California's ambitious statewide housing goals and the challenges faced by local communities like Half Moon Bay in actually delivering new units. It underscores the difficult balancing act between state mandates and local control over development.