Overview
- The nonpartisan housing forum, held Friday in Oakland, gathered five Democratic candidates to detail housing plans after top Republicans declined invitations.
- All five said California builds too few homes and that slow, costly approvals drive prices up long before projects break ground.
- Tom Steyer pushed state-backed modular construction and large housing bonds, while Katie Porter called for one statewide development permit to cut delays.
- Xavier Becerra backed incentives that can escalate to penalties and lawsuits for cities that stall housing, as Matt Mahan argued for state by-right approvals that override local vetoes.
- On homelessness, Becerra emphasized mental health care and prevention funds, Porter urged direct cash aid that averages about $6,000 per family, and Steyer and Antonio Villaraigosa prioritized interim housing and rental help.