Costa Mesa residents are considering Measure K, a ballot initiative that could change how major development projects receive approval by removing the requirement for voter input. The proposed legislation, detailed by costamesaconfidential.com, would grant the Costa Mesa City Council increased authority over these projects, with final approval resting solely with the council.
Measure K seeks to roll back aspects of Measure Y, legislation passed six years ago by Costa Mesa voters. Measure Y compels the city council to seek resident approval for major development projects. The new Measure K was drafted by an Ad Hoc Housing Committee, which includes Councilmember Arlis Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Marr, and Councilman Jeffrey Harlan.
The Ad Hoc Housing Committee hosted one public meeting on Measure K before advancing amendments at a city council meeting to decide its placement on the ballot. Concerns arose that the late nature of these amendments left councilmembers with little time for thorough review, according to costamesaconfidential.com. Reynolds and Marr have refuted claims that Measure K was "rammed through" without sufficient public opinion.
Supporters of Measure K emphasize its importance for Costa Mesa to comply with state requirements for cities to plan for affordable housing. New state rules mandate future development projects to include on-site, taxpayer-subsidized, low-income housing. Councilmember Reynolds stated, “Housing has been one of the most important issues we’ve discussed since the first meeting of my first term. Doing nothing is not an option. We’re here to represent the people of Costa Mesa, and 50% of people have housing concerns, so we have to take care of that.” She added her belief that the City Council can address current housing needs and invest in ways residents want.
Opponents of the measure, however, point to a lack of specific language within Measure K that mandates housing units for middle and working-class families, seniors, veterans, or the disabled. They argue that developments in other cities, seeking to comply with state affordable housing requirements, have demonstrated flexibility without clear mandates. One cited instance involved a mixed-use, high-density dwelling allocating only nine of its seventy-two units to low-income residents. Former City Councilmember Jay Humphfreys noted, "There is nothing that requires affordable housing in Measure K."
Furthermore, opponents suggest Measure K does not guarantee that the housing need for low-income residents will be met. They also raise concerns that it could bring thousands more people into the city without actually fulfilling the state’s requirements for affordable housing. While the city's Housing Element identified specific areas for development, Measure K expanded its scope to areas along all Costa Mesa’s corridors.
