August 29, 2024
READ AND DOWNLOAD THE FULL MEETING NOTES HERE
Special Guest: Ed Mendoza, SB 684/1123 Deep Dive
Ed Mendoza, Policy Director at Livable Communities Initiative, gave a detailed overview of SB 684 and some implications of the bill.
LCI is a grassroots organization advocating for a variety of reforms in housing, urban development and transportation. They envision and are working towards achieving a holistic plan to address LA’s housing, traffic and climate crisis by building 3-5 stories of gentle density housing above existing ground retail, adding protected bike lanes, tree canopy and car-light streets, creating 15-minute livable, walkable and bikeable communities.
Last year, several housing working group members co-sponsored – with the support of many MORE housing working group members – SB 684. SB 684 was authored by Senator Caballero, but originated with the housing working group through the desire to create more accessible homeownership opportunities for BIPOC communities.
Understanding SB 684: Streamlining Small Lot Subdivisions
What is SB 684? A law that allows…
Parcels to be subdivided into smaller parcels.
Streamlines permitting processes for subdivisions
Upzones subdivided parcels, allowing up to a total of 10 units across them, using a 30 units per acre density calculation.
Ultimately the law is meant to encourage the development of lower-cost homeownership opportunities on infill sites.
You can read through Ed’s full presentation on how SB 684 is applied on the ground.
Sacramento Update
Final 2 days of session!
The last two weeks have been focused on floor sessions – both the Assembly and Senate are meeting every day (all day) for floor votes. They have been going as late as 10:30pm, and will be meeting on Saturday!
SB 1123 (Caballero), the follow up to SB 684 that originated with the Housing Working Group and is co-sponsored by several members, has passed the legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk!
If you would like to join the coalition letter we are sending to the Governor requesting his signature on the bill, even if you have not previously submitted a support letter, please reach out to Emily at emily@cayimby.org.
HWG Update: 2025 Policy Collaboration
We are committed to supporting the housing working group in passing another piece of legislation that is high-impact for BIPOC communities.
Identifying what policy or bill that may be is an ongoing collaborative process.
Right now the HWG “Tiger Team” is working to narrow a couple dozen policy concepts into a shorter list of 5-7 or so that the California YIMBY policy, research, and leg teams will analyze to provide the intel for the Tiger Team to make the most educated decision on the bill they want to pursue, including: possible bill ideas/legislative solutions, political considerations and barriers, feasibility, etc.
The HWG “Tiger Team” is a subcommittee of organizations putting additional time and focus on state legislation.
If you are interested in joining the “Tiger Team” please reach out to Konstantin, konstantin@cayimby.org. More details on this subcommittee can be found in the meeting notes.
HWG Members-only website
If you would like to see a bill or project added or updated, please reach out to Emily at emily@cayimby.org.