California legislators are actively seeking solutions to tackle the state’s housing crisis. San Francisco’s Assembly member, Matt Haney, introduced a new bill, AB 3068, aimed at accelerating the conversion of historic downtown buildings into housing. The proposed legislation seeks to streamline the conversion process, offering automatic state approval for tax credits focused on historic buildings, thereby incentivizing developers. Additionally, the bill provides exemptions from certain fees and environmental reviews for qualified projects. Haney has emphasized the importance of preserving historical features while facilitating housing development. The legislation would also allow for the redevelopment of adjacent lands and mixed-use projects, provided they meet certain criteria. AB 3068 is currently undergoing the legislative process and is scheduled for a vote by the end of August.
