About The Study
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 30 percent of California renters are severely cost burdened, meaning they spend over half of their income on housing costs alone.
California must plan for more than 2.5 million homes to meet the needs that the private market is failing to produce. This includes 1 million units that lower-income households can afford and 400,000 units that moderate-income households can afford.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2018-2022 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (Table B25140)
The Stable Affordable Housing Act of 2023 (SB555) creates the California Social Housing Study. After years of advocacy and organizing from dozens of housing advocates across the state, this landmark study defines social housing and charts a path for the nation.
As bill author State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) encouraged, “[This] process [will] help shape the model for social housing in California, let this definition be your guidepost, because the overarching purpose for this work, is to house low-income and middle-income Californians.”
The study will include an analysis of the funding, public lands, and other resources and opportunities that are, or can be made, available to achieve housing supply goals. The study will be completed by December 31st, 2026. The study will provide clear recommendations, informed by targeted input from affected groups, that:
Confirm the definition of Social Housing under HSC 50612
Analyze resources, opportunities, and constraints in the current financing and policy landscape
Advance the development of social housing through recommendations for actions that both require and do not require legislative action.