Newsom’s Latest Bill Aims to Ensure Affordable Homes for California’s Most Vulnerable
Sacramento, CA: Gov. Gavin Newsom is backing a bill that aims to address homelessness by mandating cities and counties to develop plans for a significant number of affordable homes for California’s most vulnerable residents by 2040.
The requirement would be included in the housing plans that jurisdictions are already required to send to the state every eight years.
“In a statement, Newsom emphasized the importance of locals taking into consideration the needs of the lowest-income households and people experiencing homelessness in their long-term housing plans,” said the governor.
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At present, local governments are required to strategically prepare for meeting homebuilding targets that cater to various affordability levels. This includes ensuring that there are options available for residents who earn less than 50% of the typical income in the area. Assembly Bill 3093 proposes the division of that category into three additional levels ranging from 0% to 50%.
According to the state housing department, the typical annual income for a single person in Santa Clara County is $96,000, which accounts for 50% of the total. If the bill were to take effect today, the county’s lowest affordability level would apply to individuals earning between $0 and $19,050. The income limit for larger households would be raised.
The upcoming regulations will be applicable to the upcoming housing plans that Bay Area localities need to complete by 2031.
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Last month, Newsom unveiled a set of accountability measures designed to ensure that local governments are taking responsibility for helping individuals find housing and access necessary services. If the bill is passed, a team from the state’s Housing Accountability Unit will be responsible for additional oversight. This includes making sure that cities and counties have plans in place for more extremely low-income homes and supportive housing.
Last year, the unit collaborated with the state attorney general to file a lawsuit against Huntington Beach for their failure to create a housing plan. In March, a judge limited the city’s power to prevent the construction of new housing.
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