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Council votes to join Gateway Cities COG JPA to pursue affordable housing funding amid caution from some members
Summary
Council approved joining the Gateway Cities Council of Governments joint powers authority to pursue affordable housing funding; members expressed concern about ensuring projects are equitably sited and the city retains project control, and staff said membership is renewable and projects would require a city development agreement.
HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif. — The Huntington Park City Council voted on Oct. 28 to join a Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) joint powers authority (JPA) to pursue regional funding for affordable housing projects.
City staff said the JPA includes 27 cities (20 current members and seven not yet members) and explained that membership would make Huntington Park eligible to be considered for regional affordable‑housing funds. Staff emphasized the city would identify projects and enter development agreements with private developers so that the city retains control over project terms and site selection.
During discussion, several councilmembers expressed concerns about becoming a regional partner without safeguards: they asked how membership could be rescinded, whether the city could be asked to accept burdensome projects, and how the partnership would ensure projects are not concentrated only in lower‑income communities. City staff answered that membership is renewable and can be terminated and that any funded project would require a development agreement spelling out obligations.
Councilmember Sanabria said she was wary about being the city “scapegoat” if other members failed to act in good faith but ultimately voted in favor. The roll call recorded Council Member Macias, Council Member Martis, Council Member Sanabria, Vice Mayor Martinez and Mayor Flores voting Yes; the motion carried.
Councilmembers who supported joining the JPA said being at the table gives Huntington Park a better chance to access funds and shape projects rather than being left out of regional decisions.
