Assemblymember Buffy Wicks has introduced a legislative package of 22 bills aimed at addressing California's housing crisis by streamlining the permitting process. The proposed reforms aim to reduce bureaucratic red tape that slows housing development and increases costs for residents. Supported by various housing organizations, the legislation also seeks to tackle delays caused by environmental lawsuits, particularly in urban areas. Advocates argue that modifying environmental review standards can prevent greater ecological harm while promoting affordable housing development, emphasizing the need for timely solutions in the state's housing market.
"Housing is the number one expense in almost every household in California, and lack of housing affordability affects every other aspect of our society," said Wicks.
"When you're dealing with the uncertainty of timelines for permits, that unnecessary delay causes a lot of extra costs," noted the Coalition's Ali Sapirman.
"The standard for environmental review should be different for an oil derrick than it is for an affordable housing project," explained Jordan Grimes of the Green Belt Alliance.
In the past, opposition to such bills came primarily from environmental groups who may feel housing developments harm ecological systems.
Collection
[
|
...
]