After 25 years of Measure J, Davis must confront the reality that the policy has not produced the desired results of better projects and housing outcomes, but has instead entrenched a system of rejection, delay, and unmet state obligations.
The City of Davis is considering modifying Measure J to allow developers to qualify for exemptions through affordable housing, climate or environmental mitigation, community benefits, or an Urban Limit Line, in response to increasing state pressure on the city’s housing policies.
The state of California is taking a more aggressive approach to ensuring cities meet their housing targets, and Davis must take this into account as it makes decisions today to avoid potential state intervention in the future.