California Gov. Newsom signs law fast-tracking affordable housing on surplus land owned by churches, colleges
California Gov. Newsom signs law fast-tracking affordable housing on surplus land owned by churches, colleges Fox News
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Gavin Newsom Signs Laws to Fast-Track Low-Income Housing in California
- California developers can bypass rules to build affordable housing on surplus land owned by colleges and religious institutions.
- A 2018 housing law is extended by 10 years, allowing developers to bypass most local permitting processes.
Introduction
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed two laws aimed at accelerating the construction of low-income housing in the state. These laws are significant in a state that accounts for almost a third of America’s homeless population. One of the laws allows developers to bypass costly and lengthy regulations to build affordable housing on surplus land owned by colleges and religious institutions. The other law extends the life of a 2018 housing law, enabling developers to bypass most local permitting processes to construct affordable homes.
Rezoning Land for Low-Income Housing
Under the new law signed by Governor Newsom, nonprofit colleges and religious institutions in California will be able to convert their parking lots and other properties into low-income housing. The law rezones land owned by these institutions, such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, to allow for affordable housing. Starting in 2024, they can bypass most local permitting and environmental review rules, which are often costly and time-consuming. The law will remain in effect until 2036.
Addressing California’s Homeless Crisis
California is home to nearly a third of all homeless people in the United States. To combat this crisis, religious institutions and nonprofit colleges have initiated the “yes in God’s backyard” (YIGBY) movement, which aims to utilize their properties for low-income housing. The new law provides them with the necessary tools to convert surplus land and underutilized parking lots into housing, as their land is not currently zoned for residential use.
Impact and Potential
The new law is expected to have a significant impact on housing production in the state. A study by the University of California, Berkeley estimated that religious and higher education campuses in California have over 170,000 acres of eligible land. By streamlining the permitting and environmental review processes, the law will facilitate the construction of much-needed housing.
Opposition and Amendments
While the law has received support from many, several cities have opposed it, arguing that it takes away local control over housing developments. Additionally, the state Coastal Commission and environmental groups initially opposed the law due to concerns about its impact on environmentally sensitive areas and the potential for luxury apartments instead of affordable housing. However, amendments were made to address these concerns, clarifying that the law does not apply to such areas.
Extension of Existing Housing Law
In addition to the new law, Governor Newsom also signed a bill to extend the life of a landmark housing law that streamlines rules for housing projects. This law, which took effect in 2018 and was set to expire in 2026, allows developers to bypass most local permitting processes for multifamily housing projects. It has already facilitated the construction of over 19,000 homes, with approximately 60% of them being affordable housing. The extension of this law by 10 years will further contribute to addressing California’s housing crisis.
Conclusion
Governor Newsom’s signing of these laws demonstrates a commitment to addressing California’s housing crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By streamlining regulations and providing incentives for the construction of low-income housing, these laws aim to improve housing affordability and reduce homelessness in the state.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships | Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships (PPPs) |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the issue of homelessness in California, which is connected to SDG 1. It also highlights the need for affordable housing, which is related to SDG 11. Additionally, the article mentions partnerships between religious institutions, nonprofit colleges, and the government, which relates to SDG 17.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
The article highlights the need to address poverty and provide affordable housing, which aligns with Target 1.3 and Target 11.1 respectively. It also mentions partnerships between religious institutions, nonprofit colleges, and the government, which relates to Target 17.17.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing
- Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships (PPPs)
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, Indicator 1.3.1 can be used to measure the progress towards Target 1.3, as it assesses the proportion of the population covered by social protection systems, including the poor and the vulnerable. Indicator 11.1.1 can measure progress towards Target 11.1 by evaluating the proportion of the urban population living in inadequate housing. Indicator 17.17.1 can assess the commitment of financial resources to public-private partnerships, which is relevant to Target 17.17.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable | Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships | Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships (PPPs) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: foxnews.com
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