California’s Senate Bill 79, designated the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, became effective July 1, establishing statewide zoning standards that permit increased residential density near major transit stops in the state’s transit-rich counties. Supporters contend this legislation could facilitate the development of an estimated 1.5 million additional housing units.
California’s Senate Bill 79, slated for implementation on July 1, is poised to significantly expand opportunities for higher-density housing near major transit hubs by curtailing local governments’ discretion to impede qualifying residential developments, a measure intended to address the state’s protracted housing shortage.
A coalition of housing, transit, and land-use advocacy organizations has called upon the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to revise its proposed methodology for implementing Senate Bill 79. The groups contend that the regional planning agency’s approach conflicts with state law and guidance issued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
California’s gubernatorial race has become a focal point for housing reform, with Democratic candidates actively competing to propose the most comprehensive policies for increasing housing production and reducing development barriers. This intensified focus reflects the state’s persistent housing crisis and recent legislative efforts to encourage denser housing development near transit corridors and urban centers.
AB 2074, a California housing proposal, would accelerate high-rise residential development in the state’s largest and most transit-rich cities by providing faster approvals, clearer zoning standards, and a new state-backed financing tool to help projects that have struggled to move forward.
A report from Climate Cabinet Education argues that housing, transportation, and climate crises are interconnected and can be addressed through a single set of reforms, such as transit-oriented development, parking reform, and accessory dwelling units.
The Davis City Council will review a consultant report that assumes a sprawling land-use pattern and then demonstrates that the roads and transit network needed to support it will be problematic, providing a cautionary worst-case scenario for Davis voters to react to.
California’s new law, SB 79, is designed to ease the housing shortage by allowing taller apartment buildings near major transit stops, but some counties are exempt and it will take time for the first projects to be completed.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 79, a statewide mandate to make it faster and easier to build multifamily housing near transit corridors and job centers, which housing and climate advocates are calling one of California’s most significant housing reforms in years.
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 79, which cuts red tape, holds local governments accountable, and expands access to affordable housing near public transportation stops, in order to reduce costs, strengthen transit systems, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Cities must prioritize people and transit over cars in order to make transit-oriented development successful and create vibrant, livable communities.
California lawmakers passed two landmark housing bills, SB 79 and CEQA reform, to address the state’s housing crisis, but their impact remains to be seen due to structural realities and local political resistance.
The California State Senate passed the Abundant & Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, which will allow more homes to be built near major public transportation stops and on land owned by transit agencies, in an effort to address the state’s affordability crisis.
The California Assembly passed SB 79, a bill that would allow more housing near public transportation, reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, increase transit ridership and affordability, and streamline approval processes for transit-oriented development.
California YIMBY and labor unions have agreed to amendments to SB 79 that require strong labor standards for new homes built under the bill, securing support from UNITE HERE and a neutral position from the State Building and Construction Trades Union.
Greenbelt Alliance is supporting Senate Bill 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, which would make it easier and faster to build new homes near major transit stops, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more affordable and resilient California.
Tom Steyer has endorsed Senate Bill 79, legislation introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, which seeks to address California’s housing crisis by allowing more homes near public transportation and reducing emissions.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee has endorsed Senate Bill 79, legislation that would legalize multifamily housing near major transit stops across California, in order to address the Bay Area’s escalating housing crisis, expand affordability, and advance California’s climate goals.
The California Democratic Party has endorsed State Senator Scott Wiener’s Senate Bill 79, which would legalize multifamily homes near major public transit stops statewide, marking a major shift in the party’s approach to housing policy.
SB 79, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener, would require cities to allow more housing near transit stops, including mid-rise apartments within a half-mile of rail stations and frequent bus lines, in order to lower housing costs and align state transit investments with affordable housing.