Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) on Monday touted newly signed housing legislation while aiming at President Donald Trump, saying California’s reforms would reduce housing costs, expand homeownership and speed up affordable housing construction.
“Last week, Trump REFUSED to sign affordable housing legislation, calling it ‘so unimportant,’” Newsom wrote on X. “Today, I signed a bill to cut housing costs by up to $60,000 per home, expand homeownership, and build more affordable housing. It’s called governing, Mr. President. Maybe try it.”
What’s In The Bill
According to the governor’s office, Newsom signed Assembly Bill 179 as part of California’s 2026-27 budget. The legislation overhauls the state’s affordable housing finance system through “One-Stop Shop” reforms intended to streamline project approvals, reduce financing costs and accelerate housing construction.
The administration said the changes could reduce the cost of building affordable housing by an estimated $60,000 to $70,000 per unit. The package also creates a $100 million Disaster Rebuilding Fund, extends homelessness assistance funding, and provides additional support for affordable multifamily housing through tax credits and state housing programs.
Housing Push
The announcement comes days after Trump declined to sign the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, saying he was protesting the Senate’s failure to pass the SAVE America Act. The federal housing bill later became law automatically after the constitutional signing deadline passed.
Housing affordability has remained a central issue for Newsom’s administration. Earlier this year, the governor acknowledged housing was California’s biggest affordability challenge and said the state had begun implementing what he described as historic housing reforms.
The governor’s office said California has increased annual residential construction by 59% since 2019, reduced average housing entitlement timelines by 57% and recorded its largest decline in unsheltered homelessness in 16 years as part of its broader housing strategy.
Disclaimer: This content was produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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