San Diego City Wire

Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside Senator Brian W. Jones and other legislators, gathered in San Francisco to announce the signing of new legislation aimed at addressing housing and homelessness issues. The event took place at 4200 Geary Blvd., where a senior community is under construction.

Two significant bills were signed into law: Senate Bill 6, known as the "Middle Class Housing Act of 2022," authored by Senator Anna Caballero, and Assembly Bill 2011, titled the "Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022," authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. These measures aim to streamline approval processes for housing developments in mixed-use areas.

Senator Jones played a key role in securing bipartisan support for these bills within the Senate and Assembly. SB 6 has backing from organizations such as AARP and the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, while AB 2011 is supported by the California Conference of Carpenters and the California Housing Consortium.

"As a civilized society and the 5th largest economy in the world, California has a responsibility and duty to help ensure that Californians have access to affordable housing. Every Californian should be able to attain a home they can afford," stated Senator Brian W. Jones. He emphasized that these bills would reduce bureaucratic hurdles hindering housing proposals. "The bipartisanship, and teamwork from both developers and labor, demonstrated here today shows the urgency and commitment necessary to tackle the housing crisis and build more housing, faster."

In addition to these measures, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1421 earlier in the day. This bill adds a person with developmental disabilities who has experienced homelessness to the advisory committee of the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (CAL ICH). CAL ICH's mission is to develop policies aimed at preventing and ending homelessness in California.

"Homelessness has hit California hard and is particularly tough on our most vulnerable community members," continued Senator Brian W. Jones. He noted that this new appointment would provide valuable insights as CAL ICH works on solutions to address homelessness.