This week, we focus on some solutions to the housing crisis and a couple other topics of interest – check it out!
California
- SB 9
- Why we’re watching: On Jan. 1, a California law took effect that allowed homeowners to build four residential units on a single-family lot – an answer to California’s serious affordable housing crisis. Pasadena, one of many cities that opposed SB 9, passed an ordinance allowing officials to exempt eligible areas by declaring them “landmark districts,” something that Attorney General Rob Bonta says violates the spirit of the law.
Colorado
- Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth
- Why we’re watching: We’ve reached an affordable housing crisis, wherein young people of color don’t often have the resources to buy their own homes. In Denver, the Dearfield Fund is fixing that by offering down payments and mortgage assistance to Black individuals who feel they’ve experienced discriminatory housing practices.
Georgia
- HB 1354
- Why we’re watching: Our criminal justice system is full of contradictions. At times, it convicts and imprisons the wrong people. Now, erroneously barred Georgia residents will have access to state-mandated compensation between $50,000 and $100,000 per year, disbursed by a panel consisting of wrongful conviction experts.
- SB 171
- Why we’re watching: Georgia, in its extensive campaign to alienate Black and Brown voters, residents, and activists, passed a bill that would make some protest activities illegal. While its proponents claim the legislation will make communities safer, it’s a clear response to the protests of 2020 and will instead violate the constitutional rights of people of color.
New York
- Binghamton Housing Project
- Why we’re watching: Affordable housing is important on both state and local levels. Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York just announced a $8.4 million, 23-unit development in Binghamton. Future tenants will all fall below the 60% mark of the area’s median income, with some preference toward veterans with physical disabilities.
What do you think of the news in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or hit us up through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
