Schwarzenegger Signs Landmark Legislation
A bill that aims to encourage housing close to jobs has been signed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Affordable housing advocates applauded the move. “This legislation establishes an improved regional approach to planning that will help ensure that each city and county is addressing the housing needs of low-income families," said Brian Augusta, staff attorney with the California Legal Rural Assistance Foundation. “It moves us from talk to action by ensuring that every local government sets aside enough land to get new homes built where we need them.”
The legislation, SB 375, from state Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) “would be the nation’s most comprehensive effort to reduce sprawl,” according to the New York Times. The law is also the first to link land-use planning with greenhouse-gas reduction.
Affordable housing is among the issues addressed in the far-reaching bill, which extends the duration of most communities’ housing element plans from five years to eight years. It also clarifies that local governments must implement the zoning and programs contained in their housing elements by specified deadlines.
"Without more apartments, condos, and small single-family homes at reasonable prices and near their jobs, Californians will continue to drive to find affordability, increasing air pollution and gas consumption," said Julie Spezia, executive director of Housing California, in a written statement.
Affordable housing advocates applauded the move. “This legislation establishes an improved regional approach to planning that will help ensure that each city and county is addressing the housing needs of low-income families," said Brian Augusta, staff attorney with the California Legal Rural Assistance Foundation. “It moves us from talk to action by ensuring that every local government sets aside enough land to get new homes built where we need them.”
The legislation, SB 375, from state Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) “would be the nation’s most comprehensive effort to reduce sprawl,” according to the New York Times. The law is also the first to link land-use planning with greenhouse-gas reduction.
Affordable housing is among the issues addressed in the far-reaching bill, which extends the duration of most communities’ housing element plans from five years to eight years. It also clarifies that local governments must implement the zoning and programs contained in their housing elements by specified deadlines.
"Without more apartments, condos, and small single-family homes at reasonable prices and near their jobs, Californians will continue to drive to find affordability, increasing air pollution and gas consumption," said Julie Spezia, executive director of Housing California, in a written statement.
posted by Donna Kimura at 4:43 PM
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