June 10, 2022

Senator Wiener Reintroduces Housing Legislation to Allow Religious Institutions and Nonprofits Colleges to Build Affordable Housing on Their Land

Sacramento – Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced SB 1336 to allow faith institutions (such as churches, synagogues, and mosques) along with nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their property by right, even if local zoning prevents this housing. The legislation only applies to 100% affordable housing for low income residents. This legislation was introduced as SB 899 in 2020, passed the Senate 39-0 and the Assembly Housing Committee unanimously. Many faith and charitable institutions have excess property –…
June 10, 2022

The YIGBYs are back: Push to let churches build affordable housing on their land revived in California

The fight that gave rise to yet another California housing-related moniker — Yes in God’s Back Yard, or YIGBY — is back as a state senator revives a bill that would allow churches to build affordable housing on their parking lots. Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, reintroduced a measure Thursday that would make it easier for religious groups to build housing by removing local zoning restrictions. The bill would apply to churches, synagogues, mosques and other faith organizations, as well…
June 9, 2022

RELEASE: Bay Area Regional Leaders Respond to the Budget Proposals from the Governor and Legislature

June 9, 2022 (San Francisco Bay Area) – As lawmakers approach the impending budget deadline, Bay Area Regional civic, advocacy, and philanthropic leaders joined together to release the following joint statement in response to current proposals under consideration: “As the Legislature and the Governor work to finalize the California 2022-23 state budget, we respectfully remind all parties that this is not just a political negotiation. The results of these final discussions will deeply impact the lives of all California workers,…
May 17, 2022

Mercury News: Biden administration has plan to boost affordable housing

The Biden administration is announcing an action plan Monday aimed at boosting the supply of affordable housing amid high inflation. Taken together, administration officials said, the actions announced will help close the affordable housing gap and “ease the burden of housing costs,” noting that housing prices are a key driver of inflation. Amie Fishman, executive director of the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California, said the president’s announcement are welcome news for the state and Bay Area. “Taking bold administrative…