Terner Center Study Affirms Value of Housing Reforms

Legislation (SB 35) the Bay Area Council supported has been effective in reducing housing costs and streamlining production, according to a new analysis by the Terner Center at UC Berkeley. The analysis evaluated a housing development in San Francisco dedicated to individuals who are experiencing homelessness and found that the project is not only on track to be completed 30 percent faster than similar projects, but also at 25 percent lower costs per unit.

This report follows a decision last week from the Orange County Superior Court that upheld the constitutionality of SB 35 in a case brought against the state of California by the City of Huntington Beach. In this case, the city challenged the applicability of a slate of recent housing reform laws, including SB 35, to Charter Cities. The courts have been very deferential to local control arguments so this is a strong statement that the state has an important role to play in solving the housing crisis. To engage in the Council’s housing work, please contact Senior Vice President Matt Regan.