• Planning for future housing given the number of units the City will likely have to absorb protects our quality of life to the greatest extent possible by mitigating or avoiding the negative consequences of unplanned growth;  
• Providing housing to meet the needs of all income levels is critical to the long-term social, environmental, and economic health of Irvine;  
• It can be challenging for cities like Irvine to attract and retain young adults and middle-income professionals such as teachers and police officers due to housing affordability;   
• Like cities throughout California and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Irvine has seen an increase in homelessness and the cost associated with managing the effects on the community;  
• Providing housing opportunities for an aging population and/or multi-generational living as our population changes;  
• Providing housing for persons with disabilities;  
• Eligibility to receive critical state and federal funding for infrastructure improvements and public amenities;   
• It’s the State law. Without a certified housing plan, Irvine may face substantial fines and penalties and be subject to a 4-year RHNA and HEU cycle (instead of the customary 8-year cycle);   
• May result in the State disallowing the issuance of building permits and potential loss of local land use control; and   
• May be open to litigation based on a legally inadequate General Plan.