(From Press Release – Senator Wiener) – Today, the League of Women Voters of California announced its support for Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) Senate Bill 50. SB 50 eliminates hyper-low-density zoning near transit and job centers, thus legalizing apartment buildings and affordable housing in these locations so that more people can live near transit and near where they work. It also reduces or eliminates minimum parking requirements for new developments. California has a 3.5 million home deficit, equal to the housing deficit of the other 49 states combined. California ranks 49 out of 50 states in homes per capita. Since the early 1960s, California population has almost tripled, while its housing production has declined by about 75%.
“SB 50 confronts the legacy of racist redlining that has translated into segregation, dislocation, inequitable development patterns, and lack of affordable housing,” said Dora Rose, Deputy Director of the League of Women Voters of California. “By incorporating protections to sensitive communities and inclusionary requirements, the More Homes Act begins to address the critical need to promote 
housing equity for communities of color and those with low-income.”
“The housing crisis impacts everyone,” said Senator Wiener. “Our housing shortage is pushing people into poverty and homelessness, driving out our middle class, and forcing people into multi-hour commutes. SB 50 will make it easier for people to live close to where they work and close to public transportation. I am grateful to the League of Women Voters of California for its support.”
SB 50 is supported by a broad coalition of labor, environmental, affordable housing, senior, student, and business organizations, including the California Labor Federation, the California Chamber of Commerce, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, the California League of Conservation Voters, AARP California, the UC Student Association, the California Building Industry Association, the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, the Natural Resources Defense Council, CALPIRG, Environment California, Habitat for Humanity, the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition, the California Renters Legal Advocacy and Education Fund (CaRLA), the California Apartment Association, and a host of other renter, business, and labor organizations. It is sponsored by California YIMBY, the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California, and the California Association of Realtors.
It also enjoys bi-partisan support from members of the Legislature and support from numerous mayors and city council members from around the state including San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, and Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.
