1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

It is no secret that Los Angeles County is experiencing a major housing shortage, with most households paying rents they cannot afford. For too long, cities across our state have used single-family zoning and apartment bans to make it illegal to build the housing we need, including near transit. These density limitations have worsened, not just our housing crisis, but also urban sprawl, which, in turn, is increasing the traffic congestion, air pollution, and emissions that degrade our environment. If we hope to bring down the cost of housing and get people out of their cars, we must build more homes near transit. That’s why I’m proud to stand with Abundant Housing LA in supporting SB 79. This bill will facilitate badly needed development near bus and rail stops across the Golden State. In doing so, SB 79 will address California’s ongoing housing shortage, while promoting sustainable development, reducing congestion, supporting public transit and helping our state meet its climate goals. Right now, LA Metro is in the process of an exciting and sorely needed expansion of rail transit. As residents of Los Angeles County, we are all investing in this expansion through our tax dollars, and it is imperative that we ensure the long-term success and viability of our mutli-billion dollar investment. Transit systems rely on sustainable and reliable ridership, and a significant source of ridership in California comes from the residents of transit-oriented development near stations. We need more of it. SB 79 will facilitate housing development at all income levels, ensure the long-term success of our transit investments, and improve our environment by getting people out of their cars and onto transit. For these reasons, I am proud to join Abundant Housing LA in strong support of SB 79, and hope you will do the same.