Governor Newsom Enacts SB 79, Fast-Tracking Housing Near California Transit

SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 79 (SB 79) into law, a landmark piece of legislation designed to accelerate housing construction and increase density near major transit hubs across the state. The bill, a significant victory for the "Yes In My Backyard" (YIMBY) movement, aims to address California's persistent housing shortage and affordability crisis. The California YIMBY organization, a prominent advocate for the bill, highlighted the signing on social media, underscoring its importance.

SB 79, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, allows for higher housing densities in areas close to public transit, superseding some local zoning regulations. This move is intended to make housing more affordable, boost transit ridership, and mitigate climate change by reducing suburban sprawl. The legislation culminates an eight-year effort by Senator Wiener and housing advocates, following previous attempts with SB 827 in 2018 and SB 50 in 2020 that failed to pass.

Leaders across the state have lauded the Governor's action. Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY, stated, "By signing SB 79, Governor Newsom took decisive action to fight our housing shortage and climate crisis." San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria added that the legislation "will help make way for more housing near public transit and ensure that cities with this infrastructure do their part to address California’s housing crisis." The bill also received support from various community and environmental groups, including the Housing Action Coalition and Greenbelt Alliance.

The new law builds on earlier legislative successes, including reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) earlier this year, which YIMBYs considered a major obstacle to development. While SB 79 is celebrated by proponents, it has faced opposition from some local officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who expressed concerns about state overreach into local planning. Despite this, Senator Wiener believes the political landscape has shifted, with a broader understanding of the connections between housing costs, public transit, and environmental goals.

With the enactment of SB 79, California YIMBY and its allies anticipate a significant increase in housing units in transit-rich areas, fostering more sustainable and equitable communities. The legislation includes robust affordability standards and protections for existing affordable housing, aiming to ensure that new developments benefit a wide range of residents. This marks a pivotal moment in California's ongoing efforts to tackle its housing challenges and create a more accessible future for its population.