New Report Outlines Steps for Innovation and Inclusion in the CA Economy

It is not contentious to say that California frequently finds itself at odds with the federal government. Often, California acts a trailblazer for innovative ideas—ideas that eventually spread throughout the rest of the 50 states. Researchers from the USC Dornsife Program for Environmental and Regional Equity and the Santa Cruz Institute for Social Transformation have outlined a 12-Step program for Innovation and Inclusion in the California Economy titled “From Resistance to Renewal.” Housing is an important step outlined in the report. SCANPH has summarized the authors’ specific housing policies they believe California should pursue as the state moves forward in a new political climate. Manuel Pastor and Chris Benner are the main authors.

Housing is one factor in Pastor and Benner’s equation for a more innovative and inclusive California. We recommend reading the report in its entirety.

1. Dramatically Expand the Supply of Affordable Housing

• Permit streamlining for multi-family housing projects with affordable components

• Providing incentives to local governments to accelerate housing production

• Reduce barriers to the construction of ADUs

• Support the expansion and development of student housing cooperatives

• Increase state funding for affordable housing

• Support community land trusts

• Link affordable housing development to job opportunities

2. Protect Those Already in Affordable Housing

• Prevent displacement through rent stabilization and tenant protection

• Protect all Californians, but especially communities of color, from subprime lending and foreclosure.

• Help secure community stability by reforming local planning processes to be more participatory

3. Shift Toward Treating Housing as a Human Right

• Invest in California’s Housing First programs to help reduce homelessness

• Expand the supply of social housing