Newsom signs major bills to increase housing density in urban centers
After years of thwarted attempts, California leaders succeeded Wednesday in passing a pair of bills that will accelerate construction of new housing units in sleepy urban areas zoned for retail shops, office buildings or parking.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bills standing in the chapel of a former funeral home in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood, which will soon be converted into affordable housing. He stood alongside legislators, city officials and union leaders — uniting groups that have been bitterly divided over similar measures in the past.