How California’s AB 3107 Would Build Resilience Capacity

03/25/20

“How would AB 3107 from California Assemblymember Wicks build resilience capacity?”

As of now, California state law prohibits housing units from being developed in commercial districts. However, this could all change with one bill. AB 3107 by California Assemblymember Buffy Wicks would allow for housing development to take place in commercial districts as long as 20% of the units are relegated to be affordable housing. This would increase the number of lower-income people in housed situations near job centers, severing them from the need for private transportation and therefore increase opportunities in the case of a disaster. This is How California’s AB 3107 Would Build Resilience Capacity.

Urban Planning and Climate Resilience

03/24/20

“How does urban planning interact with climate resilience?”

Planning and designing cities are the beating heart of urban planning. And with the advent of climate change, cities will have to reinvent themselves to withstand the new conditions. This is where Urban Planning and Climate Resilience will interact and is already taking shape in cities all over the world, from sea-level rise in New York to heat islands in New Delhi.

How California’s SB 1410 Could Assist With the Development of Housing Resilience in California

03/22/20

“How could California State Senator Lena Gonzalez’s SB 1410 increase housing resilience?”

The dearth of affordable housing in California is causing a housing crisis, forcing marginalized communities to seek shelter in areas of the state more vulnerable to the effects of climate change as well as further away from job centers. One way to counter this would be to simply build more affordable housing. However, many municipalities in the state do not want to host these sites and try to block as much development as possible. But if California Senate Bill SB 1410 from State Senator Lena Gonzalez of Los Angeles becomes law, then projects that have been denied or given unreasonable requirements can be appealed to a newly created Housing Accountability Committee and get the initial rejection overturned. This is How California’s SB 1410 Could Assist With the Development of Housing Resilience in California.

Why California’s AB 1924 Will Allow for Denser, More Resilient Housing in the State

03/21/20

“Why will AB 1924 from Assemblymember Grayson help build resilience in California?”

Right now, California housing policy does not require jurisdictions to assess fees on a per-square-foot basis. As a result, developers who want to build smaller, more affordable units will have to jump through hoops and loops and may have to pay multiple fees to break ground. However, California Assemblymember Tim Grayson wants to change this with his new bill AB 1924. If enacted into law, AB 1924 would require agencies to charge on a per-square-foot basis, simplifying the process and allowing for more units to come online at a faster rate and lower cost. The more new, dense, and affordable housing that comes online, the more resilient California will be to disasters. This is Why California’s AB 1924 Will Allow for Denser, More Resilient Housing in the State.

How California’s AB1907 Bill Could Increase Resilience for Its Homeless Population

03/20/20

“How could this California new assembly bill make its homeless population much safer to disasters?”

California has a homelessness crisis. Decades of neglect on social services and housing construction have forced psychologically and economically vulnerable populations out of homes and into the streets. With the advent of disasters such as the COVID outbreak  and the Paradise fires, being homeless in California is only going to become more dangerous. However, one new assembly bill Miguel Santiago of Los Angeles could make a change for the better. AB1907 would provide exemptions to CEQA requirements for any housing development directed for homeless or lower-income renters. This would allow for a greater amount of housing supply for individuals from these communities, providing them a safe space from the elements in newer housing units. This is How California’s AB1907 Bill Could Increase Resilience for Its Homeless Population.