California Voters Pass Two Housing Measures, Approving $11.25 Billion Bond
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California voters passed two housing-related ballot measures in the November 3 midterm elections, with a third still being counted as results grew clearer on November 6.
Proposition 1 authorizes California to issue $11.25 billion in bonds to fund affordable housing projects, including veterans housing programs, and was drawing slightly more than 60 percent support as of November 6. Proposition 37 also passed with more than 60 percent support; it creates a $25 billion loan program offering eligible moderate-income homebuyers fixed-rate mortgage assistance of up to 17 percent of a home's price.
A third housing measure, Proposition 45, remained undecided. It would amend the California Environmental Quality Act to shorten environmental review timelines for some projects, including housing. With about 65 percent of ballots counted, opponents led with 54.9 percent to supporters' 45.1 percent. Gov. Gavin Newsom had publicly backed Proposition 1. California's long-running housing shortage has pushed home prices and rents higher, and the two approved measures are seen as an important step toward easing affordability pressures.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 萨克拉门托州议会公园加州消防员纪念碑（Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0）
