California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) took a crucial step towards making housing more accessible to the people of the state, by signing two bills on Monday that aim to cut red tape and streamline the environmental review process. As part of his 2025-26 budget, Newsom approved A.B. 130 and S.B. 131, which his office described as “the most significant” legislation in recent years.
The state of California has been facing a housing crisis for years, with skyrocketing prices making it difficult for the average person to afford a home. This has led to a rise in homelessness and displacement, as well as an increase in the cost of living for Californians. In an effort to address these issues, Gov. Newsom has made housing a top priority for his administration.
The two bills signed by Gov. Newsom aim to make the process of building housing units faster and more efficient. A.B. 130 streamlines the environmental review process for certain housing projects, reducing the amount of paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles that developers have to go through. This will not only save time and money for developers but also make it easier for them to build affordable housing units.
Similarly, S.B. 131 creates a streamlined environmental review process for housing projects in certain areas, such as transit-rich areas and areas where there is a high demand for housing. This bill also includes measures to encourage the development of affordable housing units, by providing incentives and tax breaks to developers who include affordable units in their projects.
These two bills are a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis in California. By cutting red tape and streamlining the environmental review process, the governor hopes to make it easier and more affordable to build housing units in the state. This will not only increase the supply of housing but also create job opportunities and boost the economy.
In addition to these two bills, Gov. Newsom has also allocated $1.75 billion in his budget for housing and homelessness initiatives. This includes funding for building new affordable housing units, providing rental assistance, and expanding homeless services. The governor’s budget also includes $150 million for housing assistance for farmworkers, who have been hit hard by the economic impact of the pandemic.
With these measures, Gov. Newsom is working towards his goal of building 3.5 million new housing units by 2025. This ambitious target will not only address the housing crisis but also create much-needed jobs and stimulate economic growth. The governor’s vision is to make California a place where everyone has access to affordable housing and the opportunity to thrive.
The signing of A.B. 130 and S.B. 131 has received widespread praise from state lawmakers and housing advocates. Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) called it a “historic moment” and highlighted the bills’ potential to “create more affordable housing and reduce homelessness.” Similarly, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) emphasized the bills’ role in “cutting red tape and speeding up housing production.”
Housing advocates have also lauded the governor’s actions, recognizing the urgent need for more housing in the state. Lisa Hershey, executive director of Housing California, a nonprofit advocacy organization, praised the bills for their potential to create “affordable homes for Californians who need them most.” She also highlighted the importance of addressing the high cost of housing, saying that “housing justice is racial justice.”
The signing of A.B. 130 and S.B. 131 is a significant milestone for Gov. Newsom’s administration and a major step towards addressing the housing crisis in California. By streamlining the environmental review process and providing funding for housing and homelessness initiatives, the governor has shown his commitment to making housing more accessible and affordable for all Californians.
In conclusion, Gov. Newsom’s signing of A.B. 130 and S.B. 131 is a positive and much-needed step towards addressing California’s housing crisis. By cutting red tape and streamlining the environmental review process, the governor is making it easier and more efficient to build housing units in the state. With these measures, he is working towards his vision of a California where everyone has a place to call home.
