4 Reasons Why Governor Newsom Needs to Sign SB79
If you’ve been paying attention to us lately, you might have noticed that Westside for Everyone is a strong advocate for SB79, a new piece of housing legislation that both the CA House and Senate have passed.
SB 79 would allow more multifamily homes near bus stops and train stations, including in areas that usually only allow single houses. The goal is to create more affordable housing, cut down on long car commutes, and make it easier for people to use public transit. It also sets statewide rules for how many units can be built in a given area and speeds up approval processes for new projects.
This bill is going to help California improve housing affordability, and it’s now waiting for Governor Newsom’s signature. Here are five reasons we think SB79 must become law.
1. Broad Political and Grassroots Support
With frustrated voters and renters in agreement that creating homes is a top priority, there’s no reason to wait!
SB79 is backed by an unprecedented alliance within the California Democratic Party, which voted 111–62 in favor of endorsement, and has attracted bipartisan support from Republicans like LA’s Senator Ochoa-Bogh. Heavyweights like Rep. Katie Porter, statewide advocacy groups (Streets For All, Abundant Housing LA, Inner City Law Center), and Westside neighboring cities including Santa Monica and Culver City all support the bill.
2. Homes Near Transit Combat Climate Change and Congestion
SB79 supports LA’s and California’s climate goals by allowing more people to live within walking distance of transit (including Metro and rapid bus lines).
This is essential for reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions, and helping LA become a more livable place for all of us. Neighborhoods around transit stations already have some of the state’s smallest carbon footprints.
3. Real Affordability and Anti-Displacement Protections
Addressing the shortage of homes in Los Angeles is essential for reducing the overall cost of rent across LA over time. In the meantime, Angelenos will benefit from designated affordable units in new buildings.
Every major project under SB79 must meet stringent affordability mandates: 7-13% of units reserved for low-income, very low, or extremely low-income households, with additional incentives if that percent is higher. The bill also prevents demolition of currently rent-stabilized or recently tenant-occupied multifamily housing.
4. Cutting Red Tape
At Westside for Everyone, we believe in upstream solutions to the problems that cause Angelenos to struggle to afford a place to live. This includes the unsexy bureaucracy that comes with planning where homes go and actually building them. Layers of permits, zoning restrictions, and lengthy approval processes make it slow and expensive to build new homes, which drives up costs for renters and buyers alike.
SB79 is a significant step forward in streamlining these processes and getting rid of unnecessary steps for new projects that comply with the law.
With bipartisan support in the Legislature and the full backing of California’s pro-housing coalition, Governor Newsom should seize this moment by signing SB79 and welcoming a better housing future for Californians.
