Interactive Mapping Tool Illustrates the Impact of California's Big Housing Bill

University of California, Berkeley researchers have mapped the impact of SB 50, a bill that would allow new density around train stations and bus stops in cities all over the state of California.

2 minute read

April 10, 2019, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Tassafaronga Village Oakland California

Mark Hogan / Flickr

A new interactive mapping tool from the urban Displacement Project and the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley illustrates the potential impact of SB 50, the statewide transit oriented upzoning bill authored by State Senator Scott Weiner as a follow up to last year's SB 827.

Jenna Chandler reports on the new mapping tool, explaining how to use the map to visualize the changes the bill could clear the way for in the name of creating more housing supply and lowering housing costs around the state.

"The analysis and map look at neighborhoods surrounding 'high-quality' transit stops and categorize them into five neighborhood types based on existing density and income: high density and high income (blue); high density and low income (green); low density and high income (red); low density and low income (yellow); and low density and diverse (purple)," explains Chandler.

"They study takes into consideration how much land is zoned for residential uses, how much is vacant and 'underutilized,' and how many existing buildings are renter-occupied. To help prevent displacement, SB 50 has a provision that exempts buildings that have been occupied by tenants within the past seven years."

Carolina Reid, faculty research advisor for the Terner Center for Housing Innovation, is also quoted in the article providing more insight into the message the team hoped to impart in creating the mapping tool.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 in Curbed Los Angeles

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

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.