ACTION ALERT: Critical housing bills likely up for floor votes TOMORROW

We're interrupting your Sunday night with this Action Alert because tomorrow could be the big day. State legislators are gearing up for floor votes on two critical housing bills backed by BizFed: AB 2011 (Wicks) and SB 6 (Caballero). Both bills unlock commercial real estate for much-needed housing development, addressing California's economy-crippling housing shortage and stimulating job creation.

Chris Wilson, BizFed Senior Policy Manager, has been in close communication with staffers for Senator Anna Caballero and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks as the legislative session draws to a close. Chris reports that minor amendments to both AB 2011 and SB 6 have now been hammered out, and the voice of business played an important role in keeping the pro-housing, pro-jobs bills well-rounded.

We now need YOU to raise your voice and persuade
legislators to get AB 2011 & SB 6 across the finish line.

We can't let these smart, timely proposals die on the floor as skyrocketing housing costs, development obstacles, and dwindling opportunities continue to push residents and companies out of state. Step up and speak up!

• AB 2011 (Wicks) allows for new housing production in climate-friendly infill areas currently zoned for office and commercial construction, unlocking more than 100,000 acres of livable land for millions of units of affordable housing. This bill also mandates stringent working standards for developers, ensuring construction workers earn a fair wage, and guarantees at least 15% of homes will be set aside for low-income households. It's a win-win-win that facilitates housing development and grows our workforce in an environmentally responsible manner.
  
  
• SB 6 (Caballero) also makes it easier to build housing in areas currently zoned for parking, offices and retail. But instead of allowing it "by right" like AB 2011 – where a developer can build as long as they meet all requirements – it gives local governments discretion to hold hearings and determine whether to advance a project. It still blasts through byzantine permitting processes by allowing expedited approval of housing units in commercial corridors.

1) Call your Senator and Assemblymember and let them know how you support these bills. Click here to find your representative.

2) Quickly and easily send an advocacy message to members of the LA delegation with a single click.

3) Post advocacy Tweets that tag elected officials' official accounts. Sample Tweets below. All you need to do is copy, paste, and share.

@BizFed supported and pro-housing bills #SB6 and #AB2011 will help spur housing development in California. Join the business community in asking @SenToniAtkins and @Rendon63rd to bring these bills to the floor as soon as possible. #HousingNow

According to @California_HCD, we average less than 100,000 new units per year and has never produced more than 20,000 new affordable homes in any year. Join @BizFed in supporting #SB6 by @CASenCaballero and #AB2011 by @BuffyWicks. Let’s bring CA home!

@PPICNotes reports that the state’s housing shortage continues to grow as the number of residential permits issued in the last 3 years were far below the recommended annual average of new homes needed. Join @BizFed in supporting #SB6 and #AB2011 to spur housing now.

If you have questions about either of high-priority bills, please contact Chris Wilson, Senior Policy Manager, at chris.wilson@bizfed.org.

Onward!


BizFed Founding CEO