Overview
- Six leading candidates outlined proposals at a California Association of Realtors forum in Sacramento, agreeing the state’s housing crunch is unacceptable.
- The trade group’s president said more than 80% of families cannot afford the roughly $900,000 median-priced home and that the average first-time buyer’s age is nearing 40.
- Antonio Villaraigosa called for suspending CEQA to speed construction, Eric Swalwell proposed a 90-day shot clock for agency decisions, and Katie Porter urged a standardized statewide permit application.
- Steve Hilton argued for building outward by developing more land, while Matt Mahan cited San Jose’s fee cuts and faster permitting as a model and pressed to simplify state building codes.
- Xavier Becerra pledged to fast-track shovel-ready projects and curb institutional investors competing with first-time buyers, as candidates also backed targeted down-payment help.