Remove the Private Development Clause from CEQA for High Density Affordable Housing

Summary

Housing in California is unaffordable compared with the rest of the United States. This unaffordability crisis partially stems from a low supply of housing. Some argue that the supply issue is a result of burdensome regulation – the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – that drives up the cost of development. While it remains up for debate whether CEQA is responsible for California’s housing crisis, two aspects of CEQA are clearly detrimental. First, California is the only state whose CEQA-equivalent applies to government approved private developments. Second, too many stakeholders have a say in development when elected officials should be responsible. CEQA is still an important piece of legislation and should not be removed from the lawbooks. Governor Newsom, in concert with assemblymembers and senators, should alter CEQA to remove the private development clause for projects that create high density and affordable urban housing. This will allow CEQA to continue serving its purpose as a strong environmental act, while also tackling the housing crisis.

Authorship

This policy brief was prepared by Jesse Voremberg.