Behind the Small Housing Legislative Curtain: What’s Going On, and How We Can Help
Casita Coalition’s May Webinar highlighted the work of some of our board members and their unique insights into the world of small housing legislation. Many thanks to Casita board members Matt Regan (Senior Vice President of Public Policy for the Bay Area Council) and Louis Mirante (Legislative Director for California YIMBY) for their excellent presentations and to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for his moving opening remarks.
Matt kicked off the presentations with an overview of the current moment in the housing crisis and an explanation of ADUs as a helpful solution, citing the housing supply and demand mismatch that continues to create disastrous equity issues all over the State. It is absolutely imperative that we build more housing in California, and ADUs have been one of the best examples of government creating an intervention in the housing crisis.
Louis walked the audience through an insider’s perspective of the latest goings-on in the world of small housing legislation. Louis noted that, because NIMBY legislators are getting more organized, it is more important than ever for pro-housing individuals to use their voices. Louis’ presentation included an explanation of the process of housing legislation, past victories, important victories this year, and threats that could throw back progress. He cited the lack of consensus among California democrats as one of the main issues facing pro-housing and pro-ADU legislature in particular.
The webinar wrapped up with a summary of ongoing legislation and progress - specifically, SB 897, which is currently held up by opposition from Senator Portantino (and a call for his constituents to reach out in support of SB 897. To do so, click here.) There was also a brief discussion of improvements on the horizon in ADU finance, a hot topic after the recent release of the White House Housing Action plan. Matt and Louis stressed to the group as a final remark that the ideas of practitioners and ADU advocates are incredibly valuable - some of the best, strongest housing bills have come from Casita Coalition members putting their problems forward and giving legislators the opportunity to create solutions and solve their constituents’ problems.
The webinar is now available on Casita Coalition’s YouTube channel.
Interested in more insider information about small housing legislation? Become a member of Casita Coalition and take advantage of resources like member calls, regional mixers, and our searchable ADU Code Interpretation Index. For more information, visit casitacoalition.org/join or email jared@casitacoalition.org.
Welcome, New Members!
Casita Coalition welcomed 11 new business members in April & May, including:
Welcome to Casita Coalition! We look forward to ongoing conversation and collaboration with you all!
To join Casita Coalition, click here.