With housing authorities interpreting the state’s rent control laws differently, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued letters (pdf) to the agencies June 29 clarifying the statutes and demanding protection for all tenants. “As California grapples with an unprecedented housing crisis, it’s critical that we work together to protect those most at risk of losing their…

The cost to build a new residential home has skyrocketed 51 percent since the start of COVID, causing higher prices during what is already a severe housing crisis, according to a new report by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). The June 27 report by RBC economists Robert Hogue and Rachel Battaglia said the increase…

The cost to build a new residential home has skyrocketed 51 percent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing higher prices during what is already a severe housing crisis, according to a new report by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). The June 27 report by RBC economists Robert Hogue and Rachel Battaglia said…

A proposal that would change the way California approaches affordable housing is receiving broad support from Democratic lawmakers and is now closer to reaching the governor’s desk after passing the Senate. Introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), Senate Bill 555, also known as the Stable Affordable Housing Act of 2023, proposes a 10-year goal of…

Ontario’s minister of municipal affairs and housing is moving forward with audits of six municipalities to see if there will be any “potential or perceived” financial hits from a provincial housing law. Municipalities have been raising concerns about a housing law, that, in part, freezes, reduces and exempts fees developers pay on certain builds such…

California officials are suing the city of Elk Grove for denying a proposed housing project in Old Town Elk Grove, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on May 1. Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office are accusing city officials of denying the project and discriminating against low-income families. The state is seeking legal action to require…

The San Diego Housing Commission voted unanimously 4–0 to purchase three hotel properties for nearly $158 million to be converted to permanent affordable housing—dependent upon receiving state funds—during a meeting on April 20. The Housing Commission is hoping to receive a grant from Homekey—a statewide program by the California Department of Housing and Community Development…

Housing should be more affordable, safer, and easier to find, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said this week during the introduction of a hearing to build consensus on housing problems, held by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Senators considered various proposals that could reshape the housing landscape as they attempt to address…

A proposed constitutional amendment to make housing a fundamental human right in California is moving forward in the Legislature. Democratic leadership referred Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 10—introduced by Assemblyman Matt Haney (D-San Francisco)—to the Assembly’s Housing and Community Development Committee, where it is expected to receive its first public hearing. No date had been set…

The city of Orange, California, had its sights on the finish regarding receiving acceptance of its state-mandated housing plan, but now it’s back to the drawing board after the state’s housing department rejected its latest submission. Orange adopted its so-called “housing element” Feb. 14, which began a 90-day review by the state. Previously, California’s Department…