In December 2024, the Coastal Commission unanimously approved the Venice Dell Community Housing Project, a 100% affordable housing development in Venice, Los Angeles. The Commission’s approval of this 100% affordable housing project comes amid ongoing discussions about the Commission's role in housing development.

Commissioners enthusiastically supported the project, which will feature two four-story structures, 120 affordable housing units including 68 units for the unhoused, retail space, public and private parking while maintaining an existing boat launch for the public to access the Venice Canal System.  It will be located between Dell Avenue, Pacific Avenue, North Venice Boulevard, and South Venice Boulevard in Venice.

Commission Chair, Caryl Hart emphasized how important this project is for housing in the City of Los Angeles and the Venice community. Venice in particular, has struggled overthe last two decades with the loss of affordable housing and homelessness. Commissioner Paloma Aguirre encouraged the City to work towards updating the local coastal program for even more improved permit streamlining.

ActCoastal partner, California Coastal Protection Network’s Executive Director, Susan Jordan, enthusiastically supported the project at the hearing, stating, “To see 100% affordable housing this close to the beach, […] I feel great about that. That’s what I want to do and that’s what I want to fight for.” Watch her full comments here:

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Over the past couple of years, some have sought to criticize the Commission, alleging discrimination and obstruction of new housing projects. In 2024, several bills in the State Legislature proposed exemptions from the Coastal Act for various types of housing development. While we agree that California’s coast is too rich and white, this legislative approach fails to take into account that the Commission’s role to preserve, provide and advance affordable housing inthe Coastal Zone was sharply curtailed by the Legislature itself via the Mello Act of 1981.

Between 1977 and 1981, the Commissiom played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting affordable housing along the coast. During this period, the CCC prevented the demolition ofapproximately 1,200 existing affordable units and mandated the inclusion of anadditional 5,000 deed-restricted units within newly approved market-rate housing developments. This proactive approach significantly contributed to maintaining and expanding affordable housing options in coastal areas. However, in 1981, the California Legislature repealed the Commission’s authority over affordable housing, severely limiting the CCC's ability to address the growing inequities in the coastal housing market.

Despite this reduction in authority, the CCC continues to support affordable housing initiatives within its jurisdiction.  And the unanimous approval of the Venice Dell project demonstrates the Commission’s dedication to facilitating affordable housing while balancing Coastal Act standards. 

More affordable housing is desperately needed in the Coastal Zone - a diversity of Californians should be able to access, live and work along our coastline.  And affordable housing opportunities should not be seen as mutually exclusive from coastal resource and public access protections. Working together we should be able to provide affordable housing while maintaining public access, sensitive ecosystems and healthy beaches. The Venice Dell Project is an important example of how these goals can be achieved.

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