Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast

Last Friday, California lawmakers wrapped up their work for the year. Did they fix the state's housing crisis before heading on vacation? In this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the housing bills on their way to Gov. Newsom and what they mean for California housing politics and policy (no guest this week). First, an Avocado of the Fortnight asks who hasn't been hit with a menstrual product at least once in their life? (3:00). Then a discussion of California's new cap on rent increases, credible arguments for and against its effectiveness, and political winners and losers from its passage (7:00). Then discussions of other major housing bills and whether Newsom will sign or veto them (30:00). Finally, we make up New York Post-style headlines summarizing California housing legislation in 2019 (40:00).

Late last week, Democratic leaders including Gov. Gavin Newsom announced they had reached a deal on a bill that would limit how much a California landlord can raise the rent. In this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the shifting politics and policy of Assembly Bill 1482, and its prospects for becoming law. First, Matt brings his own Avocado of the Fortnight, involving the 37% of young adult Californians who live with their parents (3:10). Then a discussion of why landlords and developers don't oppose the rent cap bill, why realtors do, and what the bill will actually mean for California renters (11:20). Finally, an interview with Asm. David Chiu, Democrat from San Francisco and author of the rent cap bill(30:30).

Section 8 is the most well-known affordable housing program in the country. How exactly does it work in a high-cost state like California? In light of a bill that would ban landlords from discriminating against Section 8 voucher holders, Matt and Liam discuss the program's promise and shortcomings. First some major podcast announcements (2:00), including our first live podcast event! Sep 18th in San Francisco with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, UCSF homelessness expert Margot Kushel and developer Candice Gonzalez. Register here, it's free: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-solve-the-california-housing-crisis-registration-70067137695 Then interviews with Urban Institute researcher Martha Galvez (20:00) and state Sen. Holly Mitchell (40:00).

Oregon is the first state in the nation to pass laws capping annual rent increases and prohibiting single family only zoning. California tenant and zoning reform advocates have struggled in recent years to push similar laws. Matt and Liam discuss the key political and policy differences between the "Oregon model" and California. First, an absurdly sad Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to a photo-op gone awry for L.A.Mayor Eric Garcetti (3:00). Then Matt and Liam analyze why Oregon was first to pass these bills, and what political lessons it holds for California (9:00). Then, interviews with Mary Kyle McCurdy, deputy director of 1000 Friends of Oregon (29:00), and Pam Phan, advocacy and organizing director for the Community Alliance of Tenants (48:30).

At some point, the "big one" will hit California--a major earthquake in a major population center. For a state with a severe housing shortage, that's probably not good. On this episode, Matt and Liam terrify you with forecasts on how a quake in the Bay or Los Angeles could exacerbate the state's housing crisis. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to planet Yeezy, in a galaxy far, far away (2:30). Then some hot takes on two marquee housing bills still alive in the Capitol (6:30) that have one month left to become law. And finally an interview with Maiclaire Bolton Smith, seismologist with real estate data firm CoreLogic (27:30).

How much should tech companies be blamed for California's housing crisis? And what are they doing to combat it? On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss whether "big tech" is more of a scapegoat for the state's housing woes or whether the credo of "move fast and break things" has broken the Bay Area's housing market. First, a detailed discussion of the new sticks in the state budget for California cities, which may not be as punitive as you might think. Then an interview with TechEquity Collaborative's Catherine Bracy (29:00) and Bay Area News Group reporter Marisa Kendall (47:30).

There's about $2 billion in new spending on housing and homelessness in the state budget. Is that a lot? A little? And how exactly will it be spent? On this episode, Matt and Liam breakdown what we know about housing in Gov. Newsom's first official budget, and what important things we don't know yet. Then, an interview with Mike Neely, former commissioner for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority about state's rising homelessness numbers (25:00).

Last week was a rough week for California housing bills. Many couldn't pass a key legislative deadline, and some of the survivors were barely recognizable by the time lawmakers were done with them. In this episode, Matt and Liam sift through the wreckage and what it means for the future of the state's' housing woes. Then, interviews with Dan Dunmoyer, head of the California Building Industry Association who lobby on behalf of developers in the state Capitol (28:00). And finally an interview with Cesar Diaz, legislative director for the State Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents organized construction workers (48:45).

The most controversial housing bill in the state was unexpectedly put on life support this week. In this emergency version of the podcast, Matt and Liam discuss how and why SB 50, Sen. Wiener's second attempt to produce denser housing around transit, got shelved. Then an interview with Brian Hanlon, head of California YIMBY, sponsor of the bill (32:30).

A special edition of Gimme Shelter this week: a panel of big-city mayors! Hosted by the Urban Land Institute, Liam interviews Oakland's Libby Schaaf, Stockton's Michael Tubbs, Sacramento's Darrell Steinberg, and San Jose's Sam Liccardo on solutions to California's housing woes. The event was recorded in San Francisco on Friday, May 10th. Special thanks to ULI for allowing us to use the audio.

Last week was a busy one for very controversial housing bills in California. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the major changes to SB 50, Sen. Scott Wiener's attempt to force cities to allow taller housing around transit, and a mixed bag for tenant groups in the Capitol, First, the Avocado of the Fortnight shout-outs some wonderful reporting (https://extras.mercurynews.com/pricewepay/)(3:45). Then some "mythbusting" around the new SB 50 (6:30)and Costa Hawkins reform (22:30). Matt and Liam then interview Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, who has fiercely opposed SB 50 and is planning yet another ballot initiative on rent control (35:20). And finally an interview with Sen. Nancy Skinner, Democrat from Berkeley and co-author of SB 50 (55:50).

Several high-profile tenant protection and rent control bills face tough hearings in the state Legislature next week, all facing an uncertain future. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the latest in a series of efforts in the state Capitol to push tenant rights, and why almost all of those efforts have failed in the past. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to a bedrock of California housing absurdity (1:30). Then Matt and Liam discuss recent stories they've published investigating the personal finances of lawmakers (5:40), and how they may shape perspectives on housing issues. Next an overview of new pro-tenant legislation introduced this year, and the prospects those bills have of passing (15:00). Finally, an interview with Michelle Pariset, housing advocate for Public Advocates (30:00), and Assemblyman Rob Bonta, Democrat from Alameda and author of a "just cause" eviction bill (47:20).

Is the solution to California's housing shortage literally sitting in the backyard of single-family homes? This week, Matt and Liam delve into the role Accessory Dwelling Units--ADU's, in-law units or "Casitas" as no one calls them, could play in fixing the state's housing woes. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight delves into the relationship between the Old Testament, state housing policy and the new mayor of Beverly Hills (5:45). Then a discussion of SB 50, the controversial bill to allow more apartment buildings around transit, as it cleared its first legislative hurdle this week (11:40). Matt and Liam debate the merits of what ADU's and should not be called (18:00). Finally, interviews with ADU proponent Sen. Bob Wieckowski (24:00) and ADU builder Stan Acton (38:30).

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is a newly self-identified "YIMBY"--a proponent of "Yes in My Backyard" development. Liam and Matt discuss what that the Republican mayor's pro-density policies mean for the one of the largest and sprawliest cities in California. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight asks whether the cure for the state's housing crisis is parked right in front of us (2:00). Then a discussion of whether Gov. Newsom is punting tying gas tax money to housing goals (6:30), followed by a roundup of state legislation originating from the Bay Area's CASA compact (9:30). Then, Liam sits down with San Diego Mayor Faulconer for a conversation about all things housing (22:00).

Does building more housing--and allowing more housing to be built--actually reduce rents and home prices in the long run? How long is the long run exactly? In light of a MIT study that casts doubt on the efficacy of "upzoning"--allowing more houses to be built on one piece of land--Matt and Liam talk about "supply skepticism" and how important the study may or may not be to the fate of statewide housing reforms in California. Then an interview with Michael Lens (26:00), professor of urban planning at UCLA and a proponent of upzoning, about what has and hasn't been proven in housing research and his reaction to the MIT study. Finally an interview with the MIT study author himself, Yonah Freemark (44:00).