California Gubernatorial Candidates Present Solutions for Housing and Homelessness

Eight candidates for the gubernatorial seat in California propose different strategies to tackle the state’s housing and homelessness issues. A common view among them is the need to reduce regulatory hurdles to hasten housing construction. Some, like the leading Republican candidate Steve Hilton, aim to ease the building of new suburbs to address affordability. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates focus on increasing housing within existing urban areas.

The Urgency of Affordability and Homelessness

The high cost of housing and a related homelessness crisis are pressing issues in California. Candidates are offering plans to increase housing availability, enhance affordability, and reduce homelessness. Mental health and drug addiction are also addressed, as they significantly contribute to homelessness.

Meet the Candidates

The gubernatorial primary is competitive, featuring two Republicans and six Democrats. The Republicans are Chad Bianco, Riverside County Sheriff, and Steve Hilton, a conservative commentator. Democratic candidates include former Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, San José Mayor Matt Mahan, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer, state Supt. Tony Thurmond, and former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Xavier Becerra

Becerra emphasizes building more homes and aims to cut red tape and speed up project approvals. He suggests that cities and counties should make building permit decisions within 90 days. He proposes stronger tenant eviction protections and plans to limit investor home purchases. Becerra wants a $150-million annual fund for homelessness prevention.

Chad Bianco

Bianco’s campaign focuses on removing government barriers that hinder housing affordability. He advocates for the elimination of the California Environmental Protection Act to facilitate housing development. Bianco supports clearing encampments and increasing resources for mental health and addiction treatments.

Steve Hilton

Hilton proposes expanding suburban construction and reforming the California Environmental Quality Act to prevent private lawsuits from delaying projects. He suggests providing more low-cost group shelters to address homelessness and advocates for building large mental health institutions.

Matt Mahan

Mahan aims to cut development fees and limit taxes on infill housing. He proposes a quick approval process for building permits and supports the construction of modular housing. Mahan wants to finance interim beds for homeless people and maintain a $1 billion state housing grant.

Katie Porter

Porter promises to reduce regulatory obstacles to inspire the construction of various housing types. She is interested in interim housing solutions, emergency rental assistance, and rapid rehousing as homeless initiatives.

Tom Steyer

Steyer plans to construct 1 million homes, streamline the affordable housing finance system, and use public lands for housing. He supports expanding factory-built housing and raising funds through closing a tax loophole. To combat homelessness, Steyer emphasizes interim housing with services.

Tony Thurmond

Thurmond seeks to build 2 million homes, using school district lands for development. He considers revamping redevelopment agencies and increasing homeless housing with mental health services.

Antonio Villaraigosa

Villaraigosa advocates for more flexible local zoning to increase housing supply. He supports bonds for mixed-income housing and wants to limit investor purchases. To address homelessness, he aims to expand interim housing and bolster treatment programs.