Part 13/14:
Rather than solving the housing crisis, policies like SB79 might contribute to the degradation of neighborhoods, increased displacement, and perpetuation of the affordability crisis. Real solutions likely require addressing fundamental economic barriers, simplifying permitting, and directly subsidizing affordable housing rather than relying solely on zoning liberalization.
As the California legislature pushes forward, residents, experts, and policymakers alike should critically evaluate whether these initiatives truly serve the democratic goal of housing everyone affordably or if they merely pave the way for more luxury development, urban sprawl, and socio-economic divides.