Encinitas adopts resolution in support of ‘Our Neighborhood Voices’

ENCINITAS — The Encinitas City Council voted 4-1 on Wednesday to support the Our Neighborhood Voices initiative, a statewide effort to restore local control over land use and zoning through a state constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot.

Councilmember Jim O’Hara and Councilmember Luke Shaffer introduced the resolution, saying the city should oppose state housing mandates that have limited its authority over development decisions.

“This may not be the most potent thing we can do, but it’s something,” O’Hara said. “We need to do everything … and if that means we send this letter and it doesn’t work, we give it a shot.”

The initiative has gained traction among residents concerned about legislation such as SB 9 and SB 1211, which allow for increased residential density and reduced local discretion on housing projects. During public comment, speakers warned that these laws were accelerating overdevelopment without ensuring affordability.

“Most have zero affordable housing requirements,” said Karen Kaden, reading a statement on behalf of Encinitas resident and Our Neighborhood Voices board member Susan Turney. “Instead, they have everything to do with creating luxury market rate housing.”

Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes cast the lone dissenting vote, stating that while she supports efforts to address housing challenges, she did not believe the resolution would result in meaningful change.

“This is a feel good thing, and it’s not actually going to result in the outcome that you would hope for,” Lyndes said.

Lyndes cited her ongoing work with the League of California Cities and SANDAG on RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation) reform as a more productive path and encouraged the city to continue pursuing those efforts.

Mayor Bruce Ehlers supported the resolution and said it aligns with the city’s adopted objectives and lobbying policies.

“This is exactly fulfilling one of our agreed to objectives that we agreed we’d work on this year,” Ehlers said.

Ehlers also noted that other North County leaders, including the mayors of Oceanside, San Marcos and Santee, have expressed support for similar efforts.

Shaffer emphasized the urgency of action, describing the resolution as part of a broader effort to counter state policies.

“It’s not really for us,” Shaffer said. “Ultimately, it’s going to be for 10, 15, 20 years down the road for our kids.”