A controversial bill working its way through the California Legislature would charge a $75 for recorded real estate documents, such as refinance, mechanic's lien, and foreclosure, to fund low- and moderate-income homes.
"A state bill seeks to replace some of those funds and create more than 10,000 low- and moderate-income homes annually through a $75 fee for recording real estate documents," reports Andrew Khouri. "The bill, SB 391, would replace a portion of lost funds, $300 million to $720 million annually, depending how many documents are recorded. Those involved in a sale are exempt from the $75 fee."
Critics say the fee would add unfairly costs for homeowners and businesses while returning minimal benefit.
Supporters point to lack of available funding to build needed low- and moderate-income housing in the state. According to the article: "State and federal funding for below-market housing in California has plummeted 79% over the last five years, according to a recent study from the California Housing Partnership, which supports the bill. California's median inflation-adjusted rent, meanwhile, jumped more than 20% to $1,209 from 2000 to '12, according to census data."
Sen. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) introduced SB 391, also known as the California Homes and Jobs Act, in 2013. The Senate passed the bill during last year's session, and the bill is now in the Assembly.
FULL STORY: Bill seeks to ease California's affordability housing crisis
Good As New: The Vital Role of Preservation in Solving the Housing Crisis
Preserving historic buildings and existing affordable housing stock has the potential to ease America’s dire affordable housing crisis and promote equity, inclusion, and justice.
Proposed Changes to LIHTC Approved by US House
If passed by the Senate, it would represent the most significant reform to the LIHTC in decades. Some say it’s still not enough.
Report: Affordable Housing a Crisis Nationwide
According to data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, no U.S. state or metro area has an ‘adequate supply’ of housing for the lowest-income households.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Opinion: California’s SB 79 Would Improve Housing Affordability and Transit Access
A proposed bill would legalize transit-oriented development statewide.
Record Temperatures Prompt Push for Environmental Justice Bills
Nevada legislators are proposing laws that would mandate heat mitigation measures to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service