California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a final warning to counties that violate the state’s housing laws. He shared the warning in a post on X and listed 15 counties reportedly found to have violated California housing laws.
According to the California State Portal website, Newsom has issued the warning through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). He also announced through his Governor account on X.
Newsom said, “I’m issuing final warnings to 15 cities and counties for breaking state housing law.” This list included Atwater, Corcoran, Kings County, Turlock, Montclair, Oakdale, and more.
I’m issuing final warnings to 15 cities and counties for breaking state housing law:
Atwater
Avenal
California City
Corcoran
Escalon
Half Moon Bay
Hanford
Kings County
Lemoore
Merced County
Montclair
Oakdale
Patterson
Ridgecrest
Turlock pic.twitter.com/CzH9Gfuv3r
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) March 25, 2026
According to the reports on the state website, these counties failed to meet legal standards for housing plans across all income levels. They each reportedly have about 30 days to respond to Newsom’s warning, failing which the HCD will proceed with further legal action.
In a statement cited by his website, Newsom expressed his “disappointment” over the counties’ lack of legal adherence to housing plans amid an ongoing affordability crisis.
He mentioned, “We still have communities that aren’t meeting the needs of the residents; there’s no carve-out here.” He added, “No community gets a pass when it comes to addressing homelessness or creating more housing access.”
Newsom promised fellow California residents that he and his team would be more proactive going forward. He assured them of holding local governments accountable for their actions and claimed they would fight against NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) actions.
If local governments fail to respond in the next 30 days, the state of California will go to court to make sure they follow the law.
Every community needs to address homelessness and create new, affordable housing — period, full stop.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) March 25, 2026
NIMBY refers to local opposition to new developments aimed at preserving property values and neighborhood character. Newsom concluded his statement by saying, “Every Californian deserves a place to call home.”
Newsom has frequently highlighted homelessness as a major crisis in California. His efforts include constructing new housing, addressing mental health issues among the homeless and removing dangerous encampments.
Newsom and his team are actively working to make the State more affordable and safe as possible. On X, he said, “Every community needs to address homelessness and create new, affordable housing—period, full stop.”
Supporters and critics have responded to his warning on the post on X. While many commended him for his actions and gushed over his proactive approach, others accused him of hypocrisy and mocked him. Some even blamed Newsom for being the cause of the problem.
Don’t period, full stop, give details on what that even means. Just build affordable housing is not enough information.
— DAT BOY X (@TrippSpence) March 26, 2026
A user shared an edited image of Newsom, saying, “There’s only one person responsible for the homelessness in California.” Another criticized him, saying, “Newsom causes problems and then threatens cities who don’t fix it.”
A third individual demanded accountability and asked, “What did you do with the billions set aside for homelessness?” A fourth one responded, saying, “The money that was supposed to go to the people disappeared mysteriously…”
Despite the controversy surrounding his affordable housing actions, Newsom continues to work towards his campaign goals as a governor. He has yet to respond to the backlash over the warning issued to the 15 counties.
