THE U.S. HOUSE GETS A YIMBY CAUCUS
California Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have said “Yes In My Back Yard.”
Members of the newly-launched YIMBY Caucus want to boost affordable housing nationwide by pushing policies aimed at boosting the construction of those homes.
“The cost of rent is far too high. We must act to expand affordable housing options,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, a co-chair of the caucus.
San Diego officials finally closed the zoning loophole pitting neighbor against neighbor in coastal communities — but angst continues over the many backyard apartments it has already allowed directly along property lines.
Two neighbors in Crown Point haven’t spoken for months, and a new backyard apartment on their property line remains unfinished because one neighbor won’t allow the other to access his yard to stucco the last wall.
Over the last several decades, an increasing number of California cities have transitioned to “charter cities,” and many more could follow suit. The main obstacle? Recent elections show many residents don’t actually want that designation.
Charter cities in California are incorporated jurisdictions that can impose special taxes at higher rates and with greater flexibility than the state law allows. To become a charter city, a city has to adopt a charter through a majority vote of the city’s electorate.
In California, 2023 was a blockbuster year for housing legislation with bills that streamlined approvals in most major cities, doubled the affordable housing density bonus, created more options for townhouses, condos and ADUs, and allowed religious organizations to build affordable housing on their land, regardless of zoning.
Gov. Gavin Newsom is moving part time to a home in Marin County that sold on Thursday for $9.1 million, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The six-bedroom property in the unincorporated community of Kentfield includes floor-to-ceiling windows, a swimming pool and a spa, according to a real estate listing.
Newsom’s office declined to confirm the details of the plans nor whether Newsom bought the property.
Portola Valley considered dissolving itself after struggling to meet state housing mandates. Change is coming for the local population in the form of new housing, which the state is demanding after years of a worsening affordability crisis. Residents are being given the choice to hop on board, get out of the way, or risk getting run over.
Portola Valley, a town of roughly 4,200 people and an average home cost of $3.8 million, is finding out the price of resistance.
A weekly Zoom call to talk about housing legislation and strategies to preserve local control. Bring your questions and ideas. Informal networking, announcements, and updates. PLEASE NOTE: You have to register in advance the first time to get the new Zoom link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The Zoom link will work for the rest of the year. REGISTER
A weekly Zoom call to talk about housing legislation and strategies to preserve local control. Bring your questions and ideas. Informal networking, announcements, and updates. PLEASE NOTE: You have to register in advance the first time to get the new Zoom link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The Zoom link will work for the rest of the year. REGISTER
A weekly Zoom call to talk about housing legislation and strategies to preserve local control. Bring your questions and ideas. Informal networking, announcements, and updates. PLEASE NOTE: You have to register in advance the first time to get the new Zoom link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The Zoom link will work for the rest of the year. REGISTER
A weekly Zoom call to talk about housing legislation and strategies to preserve local control. Bring your questions and ideas. Informal networking, announcements, and updates. PLEASE NOTE: You have to register in advance the first time to get the new Zoom link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The Zoom link will work for the rest of the year. REGISTER
A weekly Zoom call to talk about housing legislation and strategies to preserve local control. Bring your questions and ideas. Informal networking, announcements, and updates. PLEASE NOTE: You have to register in advance the first time to get the new Zoom link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The Zoom link will work for the rest of the year. REGISTER
