COUNCIL MOBILIZING SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR’S HOUSING BILL

Behind an all-out advocacy blitz led by the Bay Area Council, support is growing rapidly for Gov. Jerry Brown’s plan to fast-track local approval of badly needed affordable housing. The Council is mounting an aggressive campaign to mobilize support, quickly assembling a diverse statewide coalition of dozens of business groups, major employers and CEOs to advocate for the Governor’s bill in the legislature. The Governor’s bill even caught the attention of the White House, whose Domestic Policy Council director this week tweeted her approval.

See our support letter and list of signers>>

Read an opinion piece by Jim Wunderman and Carl Guardino>>

The Governor’s proposal would allow cities to give simple administrative or “by right” approval of housing developments that are consistent with existing local planning, building and zoning regulations and that set aside either 20 percent of new homes for lower-income residents or 10 percent when the development is located close to transit. It would preserve local control over planning and zoning decisions, while protecting new affordable home developments against frivolous lawsuits and other costly and time-consuming challenges.

Addressing the state’s massive housing shortage is one of the Council’s top priorities, and the Council has long supported “by right” approval as an important tool for increasing supply. There is perhaps no bigger issue for California. The lack of housing has led to stratospheric home prices and rents. It pushes people further from their jobs, hits lower- and middle-income families hardest and puts employers at a distinct disadvantage in attracting and retaining workers.

We need your help to keep the momentum going and urge legislators to approve the Governor’s bill. To add your organization’s name to our list of supporters and learn how you can help, please contact Policy Associate Rachele Trigueros at rtrigueros@bayareacouncil.org.