Introduction
The Bay Area’s housing crisis is a topic of national concern, with its roots deeply embedded in decades of underproduction and complex regulatory frameworks. In a recent interview, Lisa Vorderbrueggen, the Executive Director of Government Affairs for the East Bay at the Building Industry Association (BIA) of the Bay Area, shed light on the critical issues facing housing development in the region. From the state’s ambitious housing goals to the intricacies of local approval processes, Lisa provided a comprehensive overview of the hurdles and potential solutions in the quest to increase housing supply.
Understanding the Role of BIA Bay Area
The BIA Bay Area is a membership organization representing around 400 companies involved in various aspects of the building industry, from architecture to landscape design and construction. Lisa's role focuses on advocating for better housing policies at local and state government levels to ensure that the Bay Area can meet its housing needs.
The Housing Crisis: A Complex Web of Challenges
One of the most significant issues highlighted by Lisa is the severe underproduction of housing in the Bay Area, which has contributed to an unprecedented affordability crisis. Despite the state’s efforts, including Governor Gavin Newsom’s pledge in 2017 to build 500,000 new units annually, the progress has been slow, with only around 110,000 units completed in 2023. The myriad of challenges facing developers, such as regulatory delays, community opposition, and infrastructure issues, have made it difficult to meet these ambitious targets.
Streamlining the Approval Process
When asked about potential solutions to accelerate housing development, Lisa emphasized the need for streamlined approval processes at the local level. She pointed out that many communities have already designated areas for housing in their general plans, yet projects still face endless hearings and discretionary approvals. Lisa advocates for a more efficient process where communities act on their plans without unnecessary delays, which would significantly speed up housing production.
The Impact of High Development Costs
Lisa also discussed the impact of rising labor and material costs on housing affordability. These increasing costs, coupled with stringent inclusionary housing requirements, often result in higher prices for market-rate units, making homeownership even more unattainable for many. Lisa stressed the need for a balanced approach that addresses housing needs across all income levels without disproportionately burdening market-rate buyers.
The $20 Billion Housing Bond: A Mixed Bag
The conversation also touched on the upcoming $20 billion housing bond, which was set to appear on the November ballot. This bond, proposed by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), aims to fund affordable housing projects across the Bay Area. While the BIA Bay Area has not taken an official position on the bond, Lisa expressed concerns about the potential for local labor standards and other conditions attached to the bond funds to spill over into private development. However, she acknowledged the bond's significance in addressing the region's affordable housing shortage.
The Builders Remedy and Housing Elements
Lisa highlighted the importance of the builders remedy—a legal tool that allows developers to move forward with housing projects in cities that fail to comply with state housing laws. Although this tool was intended as a penalty for non-compliance, it has also served as a negotiation lever for developers. Lisa cited examples of communities where builders remedy projects have led to productive discussions between developers and local governments, resulting in more housing being approved.
The Reality of High-Density Zoning
In discussing housing elements, Lisa pointed to the challenges of zoning for high-density projects in areas where the market may not support such development. She gave the example of Tracy, a city considering rezoning 260 acres to accommodate 6,600 units at 30 units per acre. While high-density zoning is often seen as a solution to the housing crisis, Lisa cautioned that if the market does not support these densities, the zoning will not result in actual housing production.
Conclusion
The interview with Lisa Vorderbrueggen provided a deep dive into the complexities of housing development in the Bay Area. From the challenges of meeting state housing goals to the intricacies of local approval processes and the impact of high development costs, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the region's housing crisis. As the conversation around housing continues to evolve, the insights shared by Lisa will be invaluable in shaping policies that can truly make a difference in the lives of Bay Area residents.
Call to Action
As we continue to grapple with the housing crisis, it is crucial for local governments, developers, and community members to work together towards solutions that increase housing supply while maintaining affordability. The BIA Bay Area’s advocacy efforts, led by voices like Lisa Vorderbrueggen, play a vital role in this ongoing dialogue. Let's stay informed, engaged, and proactive in supporting policies that will enable the Bay Area to thrive for generations to come.
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