Council Divides 2-2 on Regional Affordable Housing Trust

Beverly Hills City Council members divided two to two over whether to join the Westside Cities Affordable Housing Trust during their October 20 study session, leaving the city's proposed participation unresolved while Mayor Craig Corman was absent.

The trust, established by Culver City, Santa Monica and West Hollywood, would coordinate financing for affordable housing through a regional joint powers agreement. Beverly Hills was being asked to decide whether to join and designate a representative to its governing board.

Councilmembers Rebecca Pynoos and Sharona Nazarian favored participation. Pynoos pointed to the potential advantage of competing for a larger pool of funding and having a role in directing regional housing investments.

Vice Mayor Mary Wells opposed joining at that time, warning about an additional administrative structure and questioning whether Beverly Hills would receive enough benefit. Councilmember Lester Friedman raised reservations about the distribution formula and preferred to hold the matter for a full five-member discussion.

According to the October 20 staff materials, the trust's proposed fiscal 2026-27 operating budget totaled $377,220. The proposed budget would be funded through Measure A revenues and does not contemplate a fee from member cities. Any future member-city contributions would require approval by all member cities' governing bodies.

The region previously awarded $877,798 to the Robertson Sunflower affordable housing development in Beverly Hills through a 2025 Westside Cities Council of Governments funding process. That established local award is distinct from any future funds the proposed trust may distribute.

During the meeting, members debated whether joining the trust could expand access to funds or simply add costs and another decision-making body. City staff explained that some grant administration expenses would continue through the regional council of governments even if Beverly Hills did not become a member.

The study session ended without agreement to move ahead. Staff said the trust's first board meeting was tentatively planned for November 12 and that the city could join later, although it would not participate in meetings held before then.

The membership resolution was separately scheduled as Item E-9 on the October 20 regular meeting consent calendar. During the evening meeting, the Council pulled and continued that item. Beverly Hills did not adopt the membership resolution that night.