Gov. Newsom Signs Housing Bills Aimed at ‘Original Sin’ of Affordability

A package of 32 bills could help make housing more available and affordable in California.

1 minute read

September 23, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of top of California state capitol dome with U.S. and California flags flying and blue sky in background.

Sundry Photography / Adobe Stock

In an article for the Los Angeles Times, Andrew Khouri outlines a package of bills signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom that take aim at housing affordability.

The package includes 32 bills that streamline approval processes, limit parking requirements near transit, and mandate affordable housing.  

One law, AB 2243, amends a prior law to streamline approvals for developments in more areas such as regional malls and land near freeways. “Another bill, AB 3093 from Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), requires that local municipalities plan for housing that will be available to households making up to 15% and up to 30% of the area‘s median income.”

Another of the bills increases penalties for cities that don’t comply with state housing laws. “The money will be deposited into a state fund and used to develop income-restricted housing in that community,” Khouri adds.

Thursday, September 19, 2024 in Los Angeles Times

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

MARTA train tracks run in the middle of a six lane highway with an overpass and the Buckhead city skyline of skyscrapers in the background.

How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?

Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.

September 29, 2024 - Marcelo Remond

People in large plaza in front of Zurich Opera House in Switzerland.

But... Europe

European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?

September 26, 2024 - Michael Lewyn

Aerial view of Rancho Mirage, California with homes in foreground and snowy San Gabriel Mountains in background.

First Model Homes Revealed in Disney-Built Community

Disney’s Cotino, in the Southern California desert, is the first of the company’s ‘Storybook Living’ developments.

October 2, 2024 - Newsweek

Red car turning right on red light.

Banning Right Turns on Red Just One Step Toward Vision Zero

Experts caution that blanket bans on right turns on red make only a slight contribution to reducing fatal crashes, and other interventions are needed to bring down traffic fatalities.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Brick New York City apartment buildings with fire escapes.

Hundreds of Thousands of Housing Units Could Lose Affordability

As the 30-year term of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit expires for many affordable housing units, the families living there face steep rent hikes and evictions.

2 hours ago - Associated Press

Rendering of aerial view of expanded Exposition Park in central Los Angeles with multiple sports stadiums and park facilities.

Exposition Park’s $351.5 Million Transformation

This revitalization will create vital green spaces, improve accessibility, and enhance connections with community, making Exposition Park a central hub for recreation and culture in Los Angeles.

October 7 - Los Angeles Times

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.

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research

Regional Rail at Mpact Transit + Community 2024

Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)

Cornell's Department of City and Regional Planning Announces Undergraduate and Graduate Program Information Sessions and Application Details

Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP)