California YIMBY Statement on SB 1123 – Governor Newsom Creates New Pathways to Affordable Homeownership

New law will accelerate construction of smaller, affordable “starter“ homes

 “We’re re-kindling the California dream”

SACRAMENTO — Today, the California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation that could re-kindle the dream of homeownership for tens of thousands of Californians. SB 1123, a bill by Senator Anna Caballero (Merced) that was strongly supported by California YIMBY, updates SB 684 (passed in 2023) to make it easier to build multiple, small starter homes on residential lots currently zoned for just one house. 

California YIMBY CEO Brian Hanlon offered the following statement in response to the Governor’s signature: 

“By signing SB 1123 into law, Governor Newsom took a giant step toward reviving the California dream of affordable home ownership,” said Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY. “The lack of affordable starter homes has forced many hard-working Californians to delay or even give up on their dream of homeownership. SB 1123 is designed to spur the construction of affordable starter-homes, and give working-class Californians a shot at homeownership in the neighborhoods where they want to live. Sen. Anna Caballero has been a true champion of affordable home ownership in the legislature, and I want to thank her for her leadership on this issue.”

Learn more: https://cayimby.org/legislation/sb-1123/ 

About California YIMBY

California YIMBY is a community of neighbors who welcome more neighbors. We believe that an equitable California begins with abundant, secure, affordable housing. We focus on housing and land use policy at the state and local level to ensure grassroots organizers and city leaders have the tools they need to accelerate home building. Learn more: https://cayimby.org/