The end of the legislative session earlier this month marked a huge step in addressing the state’s housing crisis and supporting the health of residents affected by the high cost of housing. The California State legislature passed a package of 15 bills that will help increase the supply of affordable housing. The bills do three things: 1) Create funding to pay for affordable housing through fees on real estate transactions and a housing bond that will go to voters next year, 2) Compel jurisdictions who are not building housing to meet their annual obligations to build homes for residents at all income levels, and 3) Allow cities to enforce laws requiring low income housing as part of every new development, rental or ownership.

The laws mark a turning point in state level support for California’s housing crisis. The package of bills must be signed next month by Governor Brown to become law.