Mayor Mark Orgill launches the City’s inaugural podcast with a focused discussion on one of the most consequential issues facing coastal communities today: the intersection of State housing law and local decision making. Joined by City Attorney Megan Garibaldi, the conversation provides a clear and practical overview of how recent State legislation shapes what the City can and cannot do when reviewing housing proposals and adopting local policy.

The episode explains why State housing mandates carry legal force over local ordinances, where the City retains meaningful discretion, and how objective standards guide project review. Mayor Orgill and City Attorney Garibaldi walk through real world scenarios that illustrate how conflicts between local preferences and State requirements are resolved, what that means for coastal planning, and how the City continues to advocate for community priorities within the bounds of the law.

This discussion is intended to demystify a complex regulatory framework, clarify common misconceptions, and provide residents with a transparent explanation of the rules that govern housing decisions. Listeners will come away with a better understanding of the legal landscape, the limits of local control, and the tools the City still has to shape outcomes consistent with adopted plans and community values.