El Segundo council joins South Bay Regional Housing Trust; designates board representative

The El Segundo City Council voted unanimously on March 3 to approve a joint powers agreement (JPA) creating the South Bay Regional Housing Trust and to authorize city execution of the agreement.

Staff said attorneys from member cities exchanged a redlined draft and settled changes that largely addressed legal clarifications such as indemnification and liability. One substantive clarification noted in the discussion was language (on page five of the revised JPA) confirming that the Trust would not fund a project without the member city's approval, preserving local control.

Mr. Leger (staff filling in for the director) summarized the status: the revised agreement had been distributed to city attorneys, no further comments were received, and with approval El Segundo would become a member among eight cities. Council Member Boils moved adoption of the resolution; another council member seconded, and the motion passed 5-0.

Council also discussed board representation and, by consensus, designated a council member to serve on the Trust board. Members noted the first Trust meetings are expected before the April Council of Governments meeting and warned that the 4 p.m. schedule may limit participation.

Why it matters: Joining the regional trust creates a pooled vehicle to fund and coordinate affordable housing projects and gives El Segundo access to regional resources while preserving local project approval.

What happens next: City staff will execute the JPA and the designated council representative will attend initial Trust meetings, which are expected to occur prior to the April COG meeting.