Housing Task Force Update
The EBLC Housing and Transportation Task Forces gathered together on April 22nd for a discussion with Mark Tollefson, Governor Newsom’s deputy cabinet secretary for transportation, housing, and homelessness issues.
Tollefson discussed the Newsom Administration’s numerous proposals focused on addressing the growing housing deficit, including a Budget Trailer Bill that would set higher housing goals for cities and counties and provide funding to these local jurisdictions to assist in meeting increased housing production goals. This proposal is designed to expedite housing production, but it would also allow the state to withhold SB 1 Local Streets and Roads funds from jurisdictions that do not have a compliant housing element and have not zoned and entitled for the new annual housing goals by 2023.
Tollefson also led a productive conversation on the beforementioned Trailer Bill that included questions regarding accountability (how do we ensure these efforts result in an increase in housing inventory), how funds might be distributed, and the role of residents and community groups in encouraging and discouraging development. He also mentioned the Governor's interest in building affordable housing on state-owned land, for more on that proposal click here.
Following the discussion with the deputy cabinet secretary, the Housing Task Force heard a presentation on SB 330 (Skinner). This bill, also known as the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, requires the timely processing of permits, suspends construction moratoriums and downzoning, lifts parking requirements, and puts a cap on the number of hearings held on a specific project. Housing Task Force members spoke in support of these measures and the impact it may have on building homes more efficiently. The Housing Task Force recommended that the EBLC Board of Directors formally support SB 330.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. If you are interested in receiving email updates for upcoming task force meetings, sign up here.
