(Headline USA) Among the California reparations task force’s list of demands is a policy that would allow a state agency to have total veto power over all local real estate deals.
The task force, created by legislation signed by Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020, formally sent a list of policy recommendations to the state legislature this month, many of which seek to address “housing segregation” and “unjust property takings.”
One such proposal would empower the state to identify cities and counties that have historically redlined and gentrified neighborhoods and then subject all real estate transactions in these areas to state review.
“Identified cities and counties” must “submit all residential land use ordinances for review and approval by a state agency, with the agency rejecting (or requiring modification of) the ordinance if the agency finds that the proposed ordinance will maintain or exacerbate levels of residential racial segregation,” the task force said.
Real estate transactions in these areas should only be approved if the city or county “eliminates a certain degree of housing segregation in its geographic territory,” the proposal adds.
The task force additionally demanded that state lawmakers give “preference in rental housing, home ownership, and business opportunities for those who were displaced or excluded from renting or owning property in agency-assisted housing and business opportunities developed in or adjacent to communities formerly covered by restrictive covenants.”
California Democrats have been quiet about whether or not they will support the reparations task force’s proposals. Newsom initially declined to commit his support, but seemed to back down last week.
“The sensationalized framing in pieces published by outlets like Fox News and others is inaccurate. The Governor looks forward to reviewing the final report — and all recommendations — when complete,” Newsom’s office said in a statement.
