Simi Valley Council Discusses Adding Housing to Priority Focus Areas

The Simi Valley City Council convened on August 5, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, primarily focusing on the prioritization of city projects and the potential inclusion of housing as a key focus area.

The meeting began with a discussion initiated by Council Member Ayala regarding the process for introducing new business items that do not align with the council's established priority areas. Ayala emphasized the need for clarity on how such items could be prioritized and addressed by city staff. The city manager responded, explaining that the council must determine whether to adjust existing priorities or add new ones based on community needs.

Council Member Rhodes contributed to the discussion by highlighting the importance of having items placed on the agenda for consideration, allowing the council to evaluate their significance and decide on prioritization. He noted that while it is essential to maintain focus on established priorities, flexibility is necessary to address urgent community concerns.

Council Member Litster raised a specific example regarding housing issues, suggesting that the council consider adding a tenth priority area dedicated to housing needs. This proposal stemmed from ongoing discussions about various housing-related topics, including accessory dwelling units and state housing mandates. Litster argued that housing is a constant concern that warrants dedicated attention.

In response, the city manager proposed modifying the existing strategic theme of "thriving community" to explicitly include housing, thereby allowing it to be recognized as a significant area of focus without creating a separate priority item. This modification was discussed and ultimately agreed upon by the council.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the priority focus areas, including the proposed modification to incorporate housing into the thriving community theme. The motion passed unanimously, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing housing alongside other critical city priorities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's ongoing efforts to balance established priorities with the need to respond to emerging community issues, particularly in the realm of housing. The council's willingness to adapt its focus areas demonstrates a proactive approach to governance in Simi Valley.