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Resident presses Escalon council after state housing‑element notice; staff says city is 'very close' to resolving
Summary
A resident told council Escalon is two years late on its state housing‑element cycle and warned of ministerial developer remedies; staff responded that the city started late, has submitted multiple drafts to HCD and will meet HCD this week to present a timeline.
During matters from the audience, resident Brandon Dodge told the council he was concerned the city is two years out of compliance with the state‑certified housing element and warned the city could face "builder's remedy" development if the process is not corrected.
Dodge asked why the deadline was missed, who would be held responsible, and what steps would prevent future delays. He said public statements had sounded like the city was blaming the state and urged greater transparency.
City staff provided a brief, Brown Act‑limited response noting the city started the work late and has submitted multiple drafts to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Staff said HCD review times have stretched in this cycle and that new state housing laws increased complexity. The city will meet HCD per the notice of violation, provide a timeline and route revisions through the planning commission then council. Staff said they are "very close" to completing the process and will work to resolve the matter.
Councilors thanked the resident for raising the concern and asked staff to keep the public informed through an agendaized item with full discussion rather than a brief response during public comment.
