Housing Crisis

Sunday Commentary | After Measure V, the Question Isn’t Whether Measure J Works — It’s Whether the State Will Continue to Allow It

By David M. GreenwaldJune 21, 202646 comments

The defeat of Measure V in Davis reaffirmed the structural impediments to peripheral housing development, despite the city’s acknowledged need for additional housing units. The Village Farms proposal, which included up to 1,800 housing units, was rejected by a margin of less than one percentage point, underscoring the enduring impact of Measure J, which mandates voter approval for such projects. This outcome intensifies scrutiny regarding the efficacy of local approval processes, particularly from entities such as the California Department of Housing and Community Development, which has previously identified Measure J as a potential constraint on housing production.

Sunday Commentary | Davis Housing Debates Obscure Underlying Mobility Crisis

By David M. GreenwaldJune 7, 202623 comments

The housing challenges in Davis, California, extend beyond mere affordability, reflecting a broader national crisis of geographic mobility, according to historian Yoni Appelbaum. Appelbaum’s analysis indicates that declining mobility over the past five decades, largely due to restrictive land-use policies, has increasingly impeded individuals’ ability to relocate to areas offering economic opportunity. This trend impacts communities like Davis, where a major employer such as UC Davis generates significant opportunities, yet many workers and families face barriers to residency.

Squatting Surge Exposes Housing Crisis Failures, Legal System Weaknesses

By David M. GreenwaldJune 1, 20262 comments

The escalating issue of squatting, attributed to rising housing costs and persistent homelessness, has highlighted significant challenges for property owners. Efforts to remove unauthorized occupants frequently involve protracted civil court proceedings, often resulting in delays spanning six months to two years and potential property damage, according to analyses from organizations such as the Pacific Legal Foundation. Critics argue that the phenomenon underscores systemic deficiencies within housing policy and affordability frameworks.

Opinion: How Berkeley Solved Its Housing Crisis. And How Davis Can Solve Its

By David M. GreenwaldMay 13, 202611 comments

Berkeley and Davis have both experienced a reduction in rental costs, a development attributed to increased housing production within their respective jurisdictions. Berkeley’s strategy involved a significant expansion of multifamily housing, leading to a broader market impact. Conversely, Davis’s rent stabilization primarily resulted from an increase in student-oriented rental units, leaving the city with an unresolved crisis in ownership housing.

San Francisco Reports Lowest Homelessness Levels Since 2011

By Kiyomi Wu-InouyeMay 13, 20260 comments

Preliminary results from San Francisco’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count indicate a decline in the city’s homeless population, reaching its lowest recorded level since 2011. This assessment, however, is accompanied by acknowledged questions from both advocates and municipal officials regarding modifications to the count’s methodological framework.

Steyer Discusses Housing Agenda, YIMBY Support on ‘Pod Save America’

By Katelyn LeongMay 11, 20262 comments

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer discussed his housing agenda, which includes proposals to expand housing supply and reduce costs, during a recent appearance on the “Pod Save America” podcast. A press release from his campaign indicated the candidate also addressed support from the YIMBY movement and criticism from corporate real estate interests.