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State Launches Program to Promote Redevelopment of Surplus Land
The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Department of General Services (DGS) have expanded California’s Excess Sites Program to accelerate the development of affordable housing on underutilized state land by launching a new web portal for developers. The revamped program streamlines the bidding and building process, allowing developers to review all available sites simultaneously and submit proposals continuously. Since Gov. Newsom’s 2019 executive order, the state has identified nearly 4,300 housing units across 32 projects, with new sites expected to support at least 2,000 additional homes. Recent projects include a mixed-use development in Sacramento, a 48-unit project in Fresno County and the largest affordable housing community in South Lake Tahoe. By leveraging state-owned land and technology, California aims to expand housing opportunities more efficiently and connect low-income residents with better economic prospects.
Larger Percentage of Older Adults in California's Future
By 2040, California's population ages 65 and older is projected to increase by 59%, reaching over 9 million and comprising 22% of the state's residents, according to a new study by the Public Policy Institute of California. This demographic shift will result in an old-age dependency ratio of 38 older adults per 100 working-age adults, up from 24 in 2020. The senior population will become increasingly diverse, with the highest growth among Latino and Asian communities; notably, 60% of Latino and 85% of Asian older adults will be foreign-born and about 75% will speak a language other than English at home. While approximately 70% of older adults are expected to be homeowners by 2040, those who rent may face significant financial challenges due to lower incomes and rising housing costs. Additionally, labor force participation among those ages 65 to 74 is anticipated to rise, especially among less-educated workers, potentially due to financial necessity.
State Redraws Fire Maps for Bay Area
California fire officials have updated draft fire risk maps that will influence building and landscaping regulations in high-risk areas, particularly in the Bay Area and northern coastal cities. The new maps, which replace versions drafted over a decade ago, classify properties into moderate, high, or very high fire severity zones, impacting where stricter fire-resistant construction and vegetation rules apply. In Sonoma County, land categorized as a "very high" fire hazard expanded from 11 acres to nearly 7,600 acres, while Oakland saw a reduction in such areas from over 10,000 acres to under 2,000 acres. These maps do not directly affect insurance policies but will guide fire safety regulations, with local governments given 120 days to review and suggest adjustments. Cal Fire used advanced modeling techniques to develop these maps, revealing a statewide increase of 1.4 million acres in high or very high fire hazard areas.
Newsom Suspends Some Regulations to Expedite Fire Rebuilding
Governor Newsom issued an executive order to expedite the rebuilding process for communities affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires by suspending certain permitting requirements and cutting bureaucratic delays. The order extends previous exemptions under the California Coastal Act and CEQA, facilitates access to original building plans and provides flexibility in rebuilding homes to modern safety standards. Additionally, the state is offering financial relief, including tax extensions, mortgage support and a moratorium on penalties for late property tax payments. To address immediate needs, the order also fast-tracks temporary housing, protects tenants from eviction and accelerates debris removal and flood mitigation efforts. Furthermore, Newsom implemented measures to safeguard fire victims from price gouging and real estate speculation while ensuring small businesses and displaced workers receive necessary support.
Feds May Condition Disaster Relief on Changes to Coastal Commission
The Trump administration may impose conditions on federal disaster aid for Los Angeles' wildfire recovery, with a focus on defunding the California Coastal Commission. Ric Grenell, a top Trump aide, argued that California mismanages resources and suggested that limiting the commission’s authority would improve safety and rebuilding efforts. Governor Newsom had already lifted some commission requirements to expedite reconstruction, but Republican lawmakers are pushing for further restrictions. California officials, including Rep. Laura Friedman, condemned the move as political extortion, emphasizing that the state contributes more in federal taxes than it receives in aid. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over federal disaster funding, with Trump reversing Biden’s earlier pledge of full federal support for wildfire recovery.
CP&DR Coverage: Remembering California Planning Superstar Donald Shoup
The passing of the legendary “parking guru” Donald Shoup has saddened everyone in the world of urban planning – especially former students like me. Don was an amazing guy. As an individual he was unfailingly kind and generous to everybody, although he did have an acerbic sense of humor. As an academic he was rigorous. And of course he changed the way the entire world looks at parking. Don was fascinated by the economics of all public services, not just parking. What really led him to parking (other than the fact that it wasn’t sewage) was the fact that it was a classic case of the government giving away something for free or at a below-market price to individuals who benefitted from the giveaway. Read more reflections from planners across California, and beyond, on the legacy of Donald Shoup.
Quick Hits & Updates
A recent report from the California State Auditor audited the Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grant Program, designed to help cannabis businesses move from provisional to annual state licenses. The audit found that while all 17 participating local jurisdictions made progress—converting around 1,200 provisional licenses between January 2023 and June 2024—Oakland and Sonoma County misused grant funds on website development and rent, violating state law and grant rules. The report also addressed the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) for the slow processing of grant amendments, making it harder for some jurisdictions to fully use their funding.
The California Fish and Game Commission is reviewing the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, which aims to establish protections for the species. The plan, developed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, has sparked debate over its potential effects on solar energy projects, affordable housing and jobs in desert communities. Public feedback has played a key role in shaping the discussion, with various stakeholders weighing in on balancing conservation efforts with economic development. The commission is expected to make a final decision after further review and public input. (See related CP&DR coverage.)
The Trump administration has announced $315 million in federal funding for two major California water projects—Sites Reservoir in Colusa County and the San Luis Reservoir expansion near Gilroy—intended to improve water storage during wet years. However, the funding is not new but was previously approved under the Biden administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Trump had temporarily frozen after taking office, causing confusion and concern among state and local water officials.
Christopher Boone, an expert in urban sustainability, environmental change and justice, has been appointed as the new dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy. Prior to joining USC, Boone served in various leadership roles at Arizona State University, including dean of the School of Sustainability and founding dean of the College of Global Futures.
California lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to place a $10 billion affordable housing bond on the June 2026 ballot, aiming to address the state's severe housing crisis. If approved by voters, the funding would support the construction of over 35,000 affordable homes, assist 13,000 families in becoming homeowners and leverage additional public and private investments to maximize impact—all without affecting the state budget until 2027.
A state inspector general report revealed that California’s high-speed rail project is facing delays in securing necessary land and utility agreements, jeopardizing its construction timeline. The report urges legislative action to expedite utility relocations and recommends internal improvements within the High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), while state lawmakers, including Sen. Scott Wiener, are pushing for policies to ensure cooperation from local governments and utility providers.
A California court ruled that the City of Goleta must accept and process a preliminary application for a 56-home affordable housing project, siding with Attorney General Rob Bonta’s position. Bonta emphasized that SB 330 allows amendments to housing applications and prohibits local governments from rejecting qualifying projects without clear justification, urging Goleta to comply with state housing laws without further delay.
The Trump administration is working with congressional Republicans to revoke California’s long-standing waiver that allows the state to set stricter vehicle emissions standards, arguing it effectively dictates national policy. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, strongly oppose the move, emphasizing the state’s authority to combat air pollution and transition to zero-emission vehicles, while legal and legislative battles over the waiver’s future continue.
Conservationists are fighting to protect San Bruno Mountain from a proposed 1.3 million-square-foot warehouse development that could threaten endangered butterfly species and critical wildlife habitat. The project, led by Orchard Partners Inc., includes closing an old quarry and annexing land into Brisbane’s city limits, with some areas set aside for conservation. Environmentalists argue the development would bring traffic, pollution and habitat destruction, while city officials await the final environmental impact report before making a recommendation.
A proposed 34-story residential tower, The Eastern, at 8300 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills could replace a strip mall. The high-rise will feature 249 apartments, including 22 affordable units, along with ground-floor restaurant space and a multi-level parking garage. Leveraging state density bonus laws, the development aligns with city planning goals and aims to attract younger families and professionals.
The Bureau of Land Management has paused key fire prevention projects in California due to a freeze on federal funding ordered by President Trump. The halted work, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was set to clear hazardous overgrowth on 770,000 acres nationwide, raising concerns among lawmakers and fire experts. While some fire prevention efforts continue under other funding sources, officials worry the delays will increase wildfire risks as California faces worsening fire seasons.
The developers of the Sonoma Developmental Center project have submitted a revised application, sparking controversy over their plan to demolish the historic Sonoma House. Preservationists and environmentalists alike oppose its removal, with the Sonoma Ecology Center accusing developers of using their name to divide the community. The project, which includes 990 housing units, a hotel and commercial space, has faced ongoing opposition due to concerns over environmental impact, wildfire evacuation risks and historical erasure. (See related CP&DR coverage.)
A new poll by Emerson College found that 54% of Californians support continued state funding for the California High-Speed Rail project, despite its rising costs and uncertain timeline. The poll aligns with previous surveys and has been cited by project officials as evidence of strong public backing.
