Union Shakeup Could Have Implications for California Housing Policy

One of the most powerful opponents to California’s YIMBY legislators, the Trades union of building and construction workers, is under new leadership. Some observers speculate that the change could indicate a new era of development politics.

2 minute read

July 19, 2023, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Several office towers are under construction next to a freeway in Burlingame, California.

Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

The State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, a powerful union known commonly as “The Trades” and one of the most dedicated opponents to the California State legislature’s recent streak of housing policy innovations, announced a change at the top this week. Chris Hannan will be the new president, replacing Andrew Meredith, who served in the position for two years.

According to an article by Dustin Gardiner, Lara Korte, Jeremy B. White, and Sejal Govindarao, the change could have come as a result of the political battles over housing in recent years, and could also have a lasting impact on policy making to come.

As the article reveals, the influence of the Trades has been strained due to a break in the union ranks over housing legislation. “[T]he California Conference of Carpenters broke with the Trades over a major housing measure, Assembly Bill 2011. The carpenters argued the union had been too protectionist when California doesn’t have nearly enough construction workers to build the housing it needs.”

“The bill made it easier to build urban infill projects that have often been held up by local regulations that discourage density — in part by eliminating the Trades’-favored requirement that projects use ‘skilled and trained’ workers, a de facto requirement to use union labor,” according to the article.

Legislators have also expressed frustration with the Trades, according to the article. Former Speaker Anthony Rendon, described in the article as “a labor ally,” is quoted saying, “The Legislature was frustrated with the Trades standing in the way of a lot of the things we wanted to do.”

The article suggests that “Hannan may represent a friendlier approach,” citing environmental advocates and staffers from the governor’s office to support the speculation.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023 in Politico

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions

An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

July 10 - The Markup

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

July 10 - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial of rainbow painted crosswalks at large intersection in Castro District, Sna Francisco, California.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts

Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.

July 10 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA