SACRAMENTO — A new California law aims to stop communities from delaying construction of new housing projects. It's one of 18 housing bills signed Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom. State lawmakers have passed dozens of bills aimed at boosting funding for affordable housing, easing development restrictions and helping renters facing...
Will US Supreme Court End Inclusionary Zoning?
In a story that largely has flown under the radar, a major case involving inclusionary zoning in California could be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. A tip of the hat to City Lab's Kriston Capps for his story about a fight over inclusionary zoning in Marin County that began...
Sale of Long-Vacant UMC Lauded as a Big Win for Fresno
Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig says the sale of the county-owned University Medical Center campus is a win-win-win. "It's a win for the city of Fresno, a win for the residents not only of the city but also the county, and the county government — it's a win for us....
Newsom Wanted to Go Bold on Housing. Have He and Lawmakers Delivered so Far?
On the campaign trail and after taking office, Gov. Gavin Newsom promised bold action to confront the issue he called California’s greatest challenge: making housing affordable again. Or at least returning us to a world where this house doesn’t sell for $900 grand. The rhetoric was lofty: A “Marshall Plan” for...
Rent Cap Bill Won’t Fix California’s Housing Crisis
When California lawmakers vote on a rent cap bill in the coming days, they must consider the consequences it will have on our state’s housing crisis for years to come. Our state’s housing affordability and availability crisis deserves a comprehensive approach that prioritizes building more homes for rent and ownership....
Lawmakers Tackle a Severe Housing Shortage for Renters Who Have Federal Vouchers
By Manuela Tobias, The Fresno Bee and Jackie Botts, CalMatters As California struggles with a crisis in affordable housing, state lawmakers are trying to improve a severe shortage of housing available to renters who have federal Section 8 vouchers. The vouchers allow tenants to pay only 30% of their income...
Meet the Educator Behind Washington Monthly College Rankings
By Bryan Keogh Economics & Business Editor Robert Kelchen, a scholar of higher education, oversees the college rankings at Washington Monthly. The magazine’s rankings are meant to provide an alternative to the more popular college rankings put out each year by U.S. News & World Report. When was the first time...
Walters: A Resurrection for Redevelopment?
Voters and elected officials adopt policies on assurances of beneficial impacts, but they often interact with other decrees to produce what are called “unintended consequences.” Redevelopment has been a classic example for nearly seven decades, and it may be on the verge of another twist. Redevelopment, authorized in the early...
What's Holding Up Start of $38M Affordable Housing Project?
The funding is in place. The permits are being lined up. Soon, Jake Lingo hopes to demolish a group of industrial buildings in central Fresno and start building a $38 million mixed-use project. A health clinic will be on the first floor. The remaining three stories will house 88 apartments,...
Walters: Newsom's Housing Deal Just a Baby Step
Every Californian should be aware by now that the state’s housing shortage not only causes personal angst for millions of the state’s residents, but is a key factor in its economic future. The latter was underscored last month in an analysis of the state’s employment picture by Christopher Thornberg, founder...