The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee meeting on July 2, 2025, spotlighted significant concerns regarding Senate Bill 79, particularly its implications for affordable housing in California. Stakeholders voiced strong opposition unless critical amendments are made to ensure that affordability standards align with existing laws and protect local policies.

One key speaker emphasized the importance of transit-oriented development policies to meet housing, transportation, and climate goals. However, they raised alarms about SB 79's affordability requirements, which they argue could undermine local efforts to provide deeply affordable housing. The proposed bill would allow developers to meet a single affordability requirement of just 10% very low-income units, regardless of the density bonus received. This approach, they contend, could dilute the effectiveness of local programs that have successfully incentivized affordable housing development in cities like Los Angeles.

Brady Gerten, representing the League of California Cities, echoed these concerns, highlighting that the bill could override state-mandated housing elements certified by local governments. He criticized the one-size-fits-all zoning regulations proposed in SB 79, arguing that they do not account for local conditions and needs. Gerten also expressed apprehension about granting land use authority to transit agencies, which may lack the necessary planning experience to make informed decisions.

Both speakers called for further amendments to SB 79 to address these issues, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach that respects local governance while promoting affordable housing development. The committee's discussions reflect a critical juncture in California's ongoing struggle to balance housing production with affordability and local control. As the bill moves forward, the outcome of these conversations will be pivotal in shaping the state's housing landscape.