California State Budget Targets Reduction in Sprawl

In an attempt to thwart sprawl, the state budget currently under negotiation includes $100 million to provide $2,000, to $5,000 per residence for jurisdictions that increase the number of building permits issued by 25% over the annual average for the past three years. The budget also includes $25 million in grants to help communities develop abandoned commercial sites, $5 million dollars in grants for communities with housing available for the creation of new jobs, and $5 million in loans for multi-family units near transit stations. Opponents charge the amounts will barely make a dent in stopping urban sprawl.