Workforce Housing Update: Pro

By John Gioia, Executive Director, Housing California

As we approach the midpoint of this year's legislative session, we're seeing significant movement on workforce housing bills that could have a lasting impact on our state's affordability crisis. Here's an update on key legislation and where things stand:

SB 827 (Wiener)

This bill would have allowed cities to build housing near public transportation hubs, but with some modifications, it's still alive. Wiener has agreed to push the bill back to the state Senate for consideration, and while some have expressed concerns, it remains a strong contender for this year's policy conversation.

SB 827 (Wiener) Modifications

Wiener has made some significant changes to the bill, including:

Excluding single-family home rentals from the bill's provisions
Reducing the maximum density allowed near transit hubs
Implementing a "grandfathering" clause for existing buildings

"I'm not willing to put a bill on the governor's desk that doesn't have some level of support from the cities." — Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)

SB 828 (Atkins)

This bill aims to increase the state's housing production by requiring cities to implement a series of reforms, including streamlining the permitting process and providing incentives for developers. While it's seen by some as a more moderate approach, it still faces opposition from cities and developers.

SB 829 (Hill)

This bill would create a new state agency to oversee affordable housing development and policy. Hill has expressed concerns about the potential costs and bureaucracy involved, but it remains a key player in the ongoing policy conversation.

"We need to create an environment where housing developers can build and build quickly." — Senator Josh Hill (R-Redding)

What's Next?

With the state Senate's recess scheduled for the next two weeks, things are likely to move slowly until then. However, with so many bills still in play, we can expect a flurry of activity when the Senate returns in June. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the session heats up!

Author's Resumé:

John Gioia is the Executive Director of Housing California, a statewide advocacy organization working to address California's housing crisis. With over 15 years of experience in housing policy and advocacy, Gioia has a deep understanding of the complex issues facing California's housing market. In this update, he provides a comprehensive overview of the latest workforce housing bills and offers insights into the ongoing policy conversation.

ruidoso-nm.gov — 2025-11-25