If the rumors are true in these last days of February — rumors swirling through Sacramento and among leaders in many cities — that the divisive, accusatory and arrogant state Sen. Scott Wiener has lost his pull with state legislators, we are proud to put forth positive ideas that create a framework for housing bills from our 120-member state senators and assembly members.
We embrace the following principles that respect people everywhere in California, and Sacramento should as well:
- State legislation that focuses on increasing the production and supply of truly affordable housing.
- State legislation that provides significant state funding to cities and counties for the production of affordable housing and the infrastructure and resources to sustain it.
- State legislation that addresses the jobs/housing imbalance by helping companies locate jobs in cities and counties that need them, and that have lower housing costs than big urban areas.
- State legislation that respects the self-determination of local governments to control their destinies, allowing them to expand housing opportunities in ways unique to their jurisdictions.