Joe Biden's tax plan is creating concern that it could hamper efforts to address the critical shortage of affordable housing across California. At issue is a provision that would make it more expensive for many developers to invest in apartments and other commercial projects. The proposal from the former vice...
Wiener’s New Housing Bill Would Still End Single-Family-Only Zoning — but More 'Gently'
For three straight years, state Sen. Scott Wiener has tried to force California cities to swallow more apartment buildings near public transit, arguing it’s the only way the state can fill its crippling housing shortage and meet its ambitious climate goals. For three straight years, a shifting coalition of local...
Hello to the Roaring 2020s. California Soon Will Be Reborn.
January 1, 2030 To my three sons: I’m so proud of you. I especially appreciate that, now that you’re 21, 18, and 16 years old, you no longer fight with each other constantly. You’re doing well in school, and have bright futures. But please never forget how lucky you’ve been...
Walters: Housing Action Just Half-a-Loaf
Gavin Newsom’s first legislative session as governor began with promises to vigorously confront California’s huge and ever-growing housing shortage. “If we want a California for All, we have to build housing for all,” Newsom told legislators in his State of the State address in January, pledging to crack down on cities that...
Walters: Housing Shortage Crisis Looms Large
When the state Legislature returns to Sacramento this month after its summer vacation recess, it will have just four weeks to do something meaningful about California’s single most important issue – a housing shortage that takes a heavy economic and psychological toll on many Californians and is getting worse. While...
Walters: Is California a Shining Example or Third-World State?
Recent weeks have seen a debate of sorts about the image and reality of contemporary California. Is it, as Gov. Gavin Newsom contends, a nation-state proving that economic prosperity, multiculturism, and social progress can advance together? “California is what America is going to look like,” he told a television interviewer....
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...
Cities, Counties Could be Punished for Dragging Feet on Housing
SACRAMENTO — Faced with a crippling housing shortage that is driving prices up while putting more people on the streets, Gov. Gavin Newsom and California legislative leaders agreed Thursday on a plan to reward local governments that make it easier to build more housing faster and punish those that don't....
Oregon Set to Become 1st State With Mandatory Rent Controls
SALEM, Ore. — Faced with a housing shortage and skyrocketing rents, Oregon is poised to become the first state to impose mandatory rent controls, with a measure establishing tenant protections moving swiftly through the Legislature. Many residents have testified in favor of the legislation, describing anxiety and hardship as they...
Walters: A Cautious Budget With a Bold Housing Plan
Jerry Brown is a hard act to follow but his successor as governor, Gavin Newsom, acquitted himself well – if very lengthily – in presenting his first state budget on Thursday. For nearly two hours, Newsom explained his $209.1 billion 2019-20 budget and fielded questions from reporters, displaying in minute...