Laguna Woods Housing Forum 2026: Staying Involved

On October 26, 2026, I attended the City of Laguna Woods' first annual Housing Forum at City Hall. The event brought together city officials, housing advocates, and community members to discuss local housing needs, California housing laws, and future development.

Mayor Annie McCary opened the forum, followed by a presentation from City Manager Christopher Macon on the city's General Plan Housing Element and its implementation.

What Did We Learn About Future Housing in Laguna Woods?

One of the most interesting topics was how Laguna Woods is addressing California's housing requirements.

Christopher Macon explained the city has identified 17 potential sites for additional housing and has completed the zoning necessary to accommodate its current state housing allocation.

However, he emphasized an important distinction: California requires cities to provide opportunities for housing development, but it does not require property owners to build housing.

The presentation also explained that while additional housing within Laguna Woods Village is theoretically possible, the Village's age, income, and asset requirements, along with the lack of evidence of likely redevelopment, prevent potential Village housing from being counted toward the city's current housing allocation.

Other Topics Discussed

The forum also featured presentations by Elizabeth Hansburg of People for Housing OC, addressing access to affordable housing, and Zulima Lundy of the Orange County Office of Care Coordination, discussing the county's 2026 homelessness count.

Following the presentations, I had an opportunity to personally meet and speak briefly with Mayor Annie McCary - she's truly an awesome Mayor.

Staying Connected With Our Community

As a local Laguna Woods Village real estate specialist, I believe it's important to stay informed about more than just home prices and available listings.

Attending community meetings, listening to city leadership, and following local housing developments are all part of understanding the community we serve.

For additional information about Laguna Woods' housing plans, visit the City of Laguna Woods General Plan Housing Element.