Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast

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).