Gubernatorial Candidates Address Housing and Homelessness in California

Eight candidates running for governor of California are presenting various plans to tackle the state’s housing affordability and homelessness issues. There is a common consensus on the need to reduce regulatory barriers to expedite housing construction. Some candidates also emphasize the necessity to compel homeless individuals to accept services, including drug rehabilitation.

Candidate Positions on Housing and Homelessness

The primary election features two Republican and six Democratic candidates. The leading Republican, Steve Hilton, advocates for easier suburban development to improve housing affordability. In contrast, Democratic hopefuls support increasing housing within existing urban areas.

Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra, a former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, focuses on building additional homes to address the affordability crisis, aligning with economists who cite supply and demand imbalances. Becerra proposes accelerating project approvals and easing certain regulations to promote construction. He also seeks to strengthen tenant protections and implement a $150-million annual fund to prevent homelessness through targeted rent assistance.

Chad Bianco

Republican Chad Bianco aims to dismantle what he terms government-created obstacles that inflate housing costs, advocating for faster project approvals and the repeal of the California Environmental Protection Act to facilitate housing development. Bianco stresses clearing encampments, bolstering mental health and substance abuse resources, and mandating drug treatment when necessary.

Steve Hilton

Steve Hilton, another Republican candidate, promotes more suburban growth to alleviate housing prices. He proposes modifying the California Environmental Quality Act to limit lawsuits by private parties, thus expediting housing projects. Hilton also advocates restructuring rent control to boost construction incentives and increasing transitional shelters for homelessness.

Matt Mahan

San José Mayor Matt Mahan highlights the affordability crisis as a central cause of homelessness. He suggests reducing fees for infill housing and expediting permit processes. Mahan supports incentivizing factory-built housing and calls for sustained funding for interim shelters, alongside penalties for refusing offered housing following repeated attempts.

Katie Porter

Katie Porter seeks to facilitate housing construction through federal investment and innovative building practices. Porter’s campaign places significant emphasis on interim housing and emergency rental assistance to alleviate homelessness.

Tom Steyer

Tom Steyer aims to oversee the addition of one million new homes by amending the affordable housing financing system and utilizing public lands for development. He favors factory-built housing to reduce costs and wishes to curtail large corporate acquisitions of housing stock. Steyer also promotes interim housing expansions as a priority for addressing homelessness.

Tony Thurmond

Tony Thurmond proposes constructing two million residences, with a focus on utilizing school district lands. His strategy integrates housing solutions for teachers and other vital workers, alongside support for redevelopment agencies to increase construction.

Antonio Villaraigosa

Antonio Villaraigosa supports denser housing laws like Senate Bills 9 and 79. He advocates lowering development charges and reforming environmental laws to expedite housing projects. Villaraigosa seeks to finance mixed-income housing and expand the Homekey program for permanent supportive housing.