Focus
Coastal counties could see significantly more growth under a new state plan
Los Angeles Magazine – November 12
Last week, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) approved a plan to build 1.3 million new homes in California over the next ten years. Unlike a previous plan released by SCAG, a governing body made up of local representatives from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, and Ventura Counties, the new plan would concentrate more than a million of those new units in Los Angeles and Orange Counties since they are major job centers and transit hubs. The new goals were required by the 50-year-old state Housing Element Law, which tasks cities and counties with reassessing and planning for their housing needs every eight years. The previously discussed plan, which was rejected on Thursday, was based primarily on population projections and would have asked that tens of thousands of units be built in rapidly growing inland areas like the Inland Empire. Meanwhile, coastal communities—which are often wealthier and have historically been growth resistant—would have had far lower goals.
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News
California regulators debate, delay vote on rooftop solar mandate exemption
San Francisco Chronicle – November 13
The California Energy Commission delayed a vote this Wednesday on a controversial proposal by Sacramento’s public utility to side-step a state requirement that most new homes have solar panels starting next year. Instead of home panels, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District wants to use larger-scale solar projects to meet the requirements. Commissioners expressed concern Wednesday that the proposal didn’t save customers enough money, that the solar facilities would be too far away from homes, and that it would limit the installation of batteries, which can store power for use at night and on cloudy days. Last year, state regulators instituted a landmark solar requirement for new homes. But there was an exemption to provide power through centralized facilities known as community solar, which could power shaded homes and apartment buildings that can’t install panels. The Sacramento utility, which has more than 1.5 million customers, applied to provide homeowners with power from solar installations that could be as much as 150 miles away.
About 340 electric vehicle charging stations coming to San Diego County
The San Diego Union-Tribune - November 11
In another effort by state policymakers to encourage electric vehicle adoption, the California Public Utilities Commission last week approved two pilot programs from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) that will construct about 340 public charging stations at 52 sites at schools, parks, and beaches in the region. The programs are estimated to cost $18.8 million and will be funded by SDG&E ratepayers. The programs will put a priority on sites located in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution.
Governor Newsom announces $610M in funding to expand housing and transportation
The Daily Californian - November 12
Governor Gavin Newsom announced $610 million in funding aimed at increasing housing and improving transportation near job centers in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This comes after a $279 million grant from the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program, which is funded by Proposition 1C. In order to support mixed-income and affordable housing, the grant money looks to revamp infrastructure. The funds will be distributed through two programs: the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program and the Transformative Climate Communities Program.
San Jose officials propose new property tax for affordable housing
San Jose Spotlight – November 10
San Jose lawmakers next week could approve drafting an affordable housing tax ballot measure for the March 2020 ballot, another step to help raise revenue to tackle Silicon Valley’s growing housing and homeless crises. According to a new memo, the city manager’s office is recommending a real property transfer tax, which would apply to the sale of properties valued at $2 million or more. The decision to pursue a real property tax comes after city polling earlier this year revealed waning support among voters for any more tax increases from general obligation bonds. City officials estimate that only 5 percent of all properties in San Jose will be affected, primarily commercial and industrial buildings.
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