Congress Advanced Some Major Housing Reforms. Here's How It Could Impact California | KQED

"Congress is finalizing a package of bills to forestall the worst of the Golden State's fate by proposing what some national experts say are among the most significant federal housing reforms in years. Local housing activists say Congress' bills are unlikely to result in big changes here, but that some could support California's goal of building 2.5 million homes by 2030 by jumpstarting construction innovation and further streamlining existing laws."

"Reforming some of those outdated federal regulations could help boost the state's factory-built housing industry, which local lawmakers are paying close attention to this year. Congress' package includes multiple provisions to improve financing for modular housing and removes outdated safety standards that industry experts argue makes manufactured housing more expensive."

"The federal legislation could also complement California laws like AB 609, which exempts infill housing from state environmental review, by exempting those projects from national review as well. Other recently passed California laws could get a boost from Congress' package."

Congress is developing a comprehensive package of federal housing reform bills designed to prevent other states from experiencing California's severe housing crisis. These reforms represent some of the most significant federal housing policy changes in years. The package includes provisions to improve financing for modular and factory-built housing, remove outdated safety standards that increase manufacturing costs, and exempt certain housing projects from environmental and national reviews. California aims to build 2.5 million homes by 2030, and these federal reforms could support this goal by jumpstarting construction innovation and streamlining existing regulations. State lawmakers are introducing complementary legislation, including bills promoting modular housing construction. Housing activists view these federal measures as a positive first step, though they acknowledge more aggressive action is needed.

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