Governor Jerry Brown today released his proposed Budget Summary for 2017-18 which includes the Governor’s goals and objectives for the forthcoming year and highlights significant issues, policies, and initiatives.
This proposed Budget confirms the Governor’s resolve to work with the Legislature to address the state’s housing shortage and affordability pressures. The ideas in the Governor’s Budget align and build from the framework adopted in HCD’s just-released 2025 Statewide Housing Assessment and include five key principles to be incorporated into a housing package:
- First, Streamline Housing Development-Reduce local barriers to limit delays and duplicative reviews, maximize the impact of all public investments, and temper rents through housing supply increases.
- Second, Lower Per-Unit Costs-Reduce permit and construction policies that drive up unit costs.
- Third, Production Incentives-Those jurisdictions that meet or exceed housing goals, including affordable housing, should be rewarded with funding and other regulatory benefits. Those jurisdictions that do not build enough should be encouraged by tying housing development to other infrastructure-related investments.
- Fourth, Accountability and Enforcement-Compliance with existing laws-such as the housing element-should be strengthened.
- Fifth, No impact to the General Fund-No new costs, or cost pressures, can be added to the state’s General Fund, if new funding commitments are to be considered. Any permanent source of funding should be connected to these other reforms.
This proposal from the Governor is the beginning of a discussion that will take place over the course of the Legislative session. If you have questions or comments for HCD, we welcome your feedback at Communications@hcd.ca.gov.
Please note that HCD will be discussing this and other topics throughout the state in upcoming public workshops on our Statewide Housing Assessment.
