Housing

Goal: Create More Workforce and Affordable Housing in the North Bay

Summary

The housing crisis continues and grows worse. The increase in interest rates is making more housing unaffordable, and the rise in inflation and acute labor shortage problems are keeping construction costs high and limiting new construction. This is crippling the region’s ability to be economically competitive, especially in retaining and attracting the skilled workforce needed. The supply of all housing must be increased. 

NBLC supports streamlining the ability to build new housing and adding accessory housing units. Barriers to new housing construction need to be removed by reducing permitting fees, streamlining approvals, and modernizing CEQA to limit litigation. We support new funding opportunities to build more housing and house the unhoused, including temporary housing and permanent supportive housing that includes wraparound services. We also recognize the need to develop the construction workforce needed to build this housing.  

Our Priorities

  • The removal of institutional barriers to smart growth and development.

  • The creation of a sustainable permanent funding mechanism to finance housing development.

  • Good housing development projects in the North Bay that make our case that we all benefit from smart growth.

  • The modernization of CEQA and reform of tax policies driving preference for the most expensive housing to be built due to municipal funding concerns.

  • Identifying cost reduction strategies to bring down the excessive price tag of housing construction.

  • Employer-Assisted Housing programs.

  • Junior Accessory Units and regular Accessory Units to provide more affordability for renters and homeowners.

  • Reductions in Cities and Counties’ fees and permitting delays for new residential construction approvals and construction.

  • Collaborating with housing advocacy groups in the North Bay to educate the community and take action on priority housing projects.