California SB 549

In the aftermath of the devastating January 2025 wildfires, residents of Pacific Palisades and Altadena expected recovery. What they received instead was legislation that shifts control from local communities to state-appointed authorities.

Senate Bill 549 — passed by the California State Senate and now under consideration by the Assembly — is being framed as a wildfire recovery measure. In practice, it introduces sweeping changes to land ownership and governance without voter input.

SB 549 establishes a new entity, the Resilient Rebuilding Authority (RRA), which is granted broad powers to acquire fire-damaged properties across Los Angeles County. This includes purchasing or seizing land, issuing public debt, and implementing high-density redevelopment plans without approval from local governments or residents.

Key provisions of SB 549 include:

• Authorizing the RRA to purchase or take control of land in fire-affected areas, including those where residents hope to rebuild.

• Allowing land to be held by the state for unspecified future use under “land banking” practices.

• Prioritizing state-directed housing and transit development, often in contradiction to local land-use plans.

• Enabling the issuance of debt backed by property tax revenue and state or federal funds — all without public votes or oversight.

The legislation removes decision-making authority from city councils and local boards, placing it instead in the hands of an unelected body. Residents have voiced concerns that the bill transforms wildfire recovery into a vehicle for permanent state intervention in land use.

Critics argue that the bill represents an overreach, shifting the balance of power toward Sacramento while weakening local control. The language of “resilience” is seen by many as a pretext for long-term structural changes that would not have passed under normal conditions.

State Senator Ben Allen authored SB 549, and Senator Sasha Pérez has voiced support. Both represent districts that include fire-affected communities. Despite significant opposition from residents, the bill advanced through the Senate in May and now awaits action in the Assembly Local Government Committee.

Local Assembly members Jacqui Irwin and John Harabedian have not yet taken a public stance. Constituent engagement is expected to play a significant role in the bill’s fate.

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