La Habra Heights council hires PlaceWorks, readies public hearing on housing element

La Habra Heights authorized a consultant agreement and a budget amendment on Dec. 9 as the city races to certify its housing element with the state.

At the meeting, council members voted to allow the finance manager to amend the budget by up to $40,000 and to enter into an agreement with PlaceWorks to prepare and submit the certified housing element. Staff said PlaceWorks' work is expected to cost between $30,000 and $40,000 and that limited grant funds that previously covered technical support are ending.

Councilmember Greg Stoeffler cautioned that the state's review process can be subjective and urged close council involvement. Stoeffler said, "we essentially have, come January, we got 7 months to have this done," underscoring the compressed timeframe the city faces. City staff also told the council that the topic was the subject of existing litigation with the state and that additional closed-session updates had been provided.

Council directed staff to expand public notice about the January public hearing, including printed materials available at City Hall for residents without internet access. The city manager and city attorney briefed the council on outreach and legal considerations; officials said the council may create a small subcommittee to guide negotiations and public engagement ahead of required submittals.

The action authorizes staff to finalize a PlaceWorks scope of work and return to council with more detailed project steps and public outreach materials prior to the hearing in January. The council emphasized transparency and the need to present options that meet state certification standards while minimizing impacts to city-owned properties.

What's next: A noticed public hearing on the housing element is scheduled in January; staff will publish materials online and at City Hall and the council will receive litigation and technical updates in closed session as needed.