Creative Solutions to Housing Crisis

The East Bay has too few housing units for too many people, outdated zoning laws, and residents resistant to change — the makings of a full-fledged housing crisis. That is not news, but new solutions discussed at last week’s MTC/ABAG housing forum might be.

One idea emphasized by Kristin Connelly, EBLC’s President and CEO, is to loosen restrictions on homeowners who want to build small homes in their backyards. These accessory units could help provide a source of extra income to homeowners and a much-needed supply of new housing in cities resistant to traditional infill development.

So, how do we advance this type of “gentle infill” in our region? East Bay Assemblymember Tony Thurmond introduced Assembly Bill 2406 earlier this month which helps set standards and minimize costs for homeowners interested in providing this kind of housing, while helping the region utilize existing housing resources — AB 2406 only addresses existing structures and not new accessory housing. A similar bill was also introduced by Senator Bob Wieckowski which we will be watching closely (SB 1069).

“One of the main causes of the strained housing market is that there is just not enough supply to balance the demand to keep rental costs stable. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units will provide local jurisdictions an innovative tool for increasing affordable housing units,” said Assemblymember Thurmond in a press release.

If we are going to lean on our ample-acred neighbors to help solve the housing crisis we are going to require leadership from Assemblymember Thurmond and others to cut the red tape and give the green light to creative housing solutions in our region. The East Bay Leadership Council looks forward to discussing AB 2406 and other legislative proposals in our upcoming task forces and State of the East Bay Luncheon.

“There is no silver bullet to solving the housing crisis,” said Connelly. “But creative solutions like gentle infill may be part of the silver buckshot that could help make the East Bay affordable again.”