SB 79 PASSES - After Eight Years of Advocacy, California Paves the Way for Affordable, Transit-Oriented Housing

The passage of SB 79 by the California state legislature marks a monumental chapter in the state’s ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis, especially in urban areas underserved by affordable homes and vibrant neighborhoods. The bill, now headed to Governor Newsom for signature, represents a hard-fought victory for California YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) and the broader YIMBY movement—an alliance dedicated to promoting inclusive, affordable, and environmentally sustainable housing policy.

The Road to SB 79: A Story of Perseverance

The journey to the passage of SB 79 began in the most unassuming of places—a bar in San Francisco, back in 2017. It was there that Brian Hanlon, CEO of California YIMBY, first pitched the idea to co-founders Zack Rosen and Nat Friedman. The spark ignited in that conversation soon led Hanlon to collaborate with Senator Scott Wiener, resulting in the drafting and introduction of SB 827 later that year.

SB 827 was an ambitious piece of legislation. Its aim was straightforward but revolutionary: to legalize the construction of apartments and condominiums near high-capacity transit stops throughout California. This would have opened the door for millions of new homes to be built in places where people rely most on public transportation—directly addressing both the state’s severe housing shortage and its climate goals.

Although SB 827 did not advance past its first committee, the bill’s sweeping scope was not lost on housing advocates nationwide. It served as an opening salvo in a new, state-driven approach to unlocking urban housing growth—a strategy that soon inspired other states and municipalities to look beyond local zoning restrictions toward broader, more coordinated solutions.

Galvanizing a Movement

The introduction of SB 827 drew immediate national attention. Nascent YIMBY organizers and pro-housing activists, previously focused mainly on local issues, began to see the potential for state-led reform. The bill’s advocates were driven by a shared vision: inclusive, affordable, and well-planned housing growth, especially in neighborhoods close to public transit. While the initial political hurdles were substantial, the conversation had shifted. The seeds of a national YIMBY movement were planted—and began to flourish.

Undeterred by SB 827’s failure to advance, Hanlon, California YIMBY, and Senator Wiener returned to the legislature the following year with a revised proposal: SB 50, also known as the “More Homes” Act. This new bill maintained the core vision of legalizing homes in transit-rich neighborhoods, but incorporated lessons learned from SB 827’s reception in Sacramento and across the state. SB 50 garnered significant attention and support, symbolizing the growing strength and organization of the pro-housing movement.

Yet, the path was anything but easy. In the final moments of the 2019 legislative session—specifically, in January 2020—SB 50 failed to pass on the Senate floor. It was a dramatic setback for advocates who had devoted years to building coalitions, educating stakeholders, and rallying support for policies that would enable more affordable housing and cleaner, more sustainable cities.

From Setback to Success: The Passage of SB 79

Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape had shifted. After years of advocacy, coalition-building, and public education, the California legislature voted to pass SB 79—a direct descendant of the original SB 827 and SB 50 legislation. For Brian Hanlon and California YIMBY, the victory was both personal and deeply symbolic.

“Today, California YIMBY achieved one of its founding goals: legalizing apartments and condos near train stations,” Hanlon announced. “We won many victories over the past eight years, but the dream of passing a robust, transit-oriented development program has long eluded us, until now.”

Hanlon emphasized that the campaign was never just about buildings—it was about people, neighborhoods, and the promise of a more equitable future. “With the passage of SB 79, thanks to our allies and legislative partners, we’re delivering on what we set out to do: more affordable homes, cleaner air, vibrant neighborhoods, and better transit. This is a historic win—and a testament to the growing power of the YIMBY movement.”

What SB 79 Means for California

At its core, SB 79 legalizes the construction of more homes—particularly apartments and condos—near the highest-capacity transit stops across California. This policy aims to direct housing growth to where it’s most needed and most sustainable: close to trains, subways, and major bus corridors. By aligning land use and transit policy, the bill addresses multiple challenges at once.

·      Affordable Housing: By permitting higher-density housing near transit, SB 79 is designed to increase the supply of affordable homes, easing pressure on renters and first-time buyers across the state.

·      Climate Action: Encouraging development near public transit reduces reliance on cars, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner air.

·      Vibrant Neighborhoods: Transit-oriented development can support thriving, walkable communities with local businesses, parks, and amenities.

·      Equity: Legalizing homes near transit makes it easier for people from all backgrounds to access opportunities, reducing economic and social disparities.

The Power of Grassroots Advocacy

The passage of SB 79 was not a foregone conclusion. It required the dedication and resilience of activists and organizers who spent years building a broad coalition of support. YIMBY activists across California—and the nation—have played a crucial role in keeping the issue of housing affordability and zoning reform at the forefront of public debate.

“My message to YIMBY activists across the country: Keep organizing, keep educating, and keep hustling. Your time will come,” Hanlon advised. His words are not just an encouragement, but a recognition of the collective power of grassroots movements to change laws and, ultimately, change lives.

SB 79’s road to passage was paved with setbacks and near-misses. Each previous defeat—whether SB 827’s early committee loss or SB 50’s last-minute failure on the Senate floor—served as a lesson, sharpening advocacy strategies and broadening alliances. Today’s victory illustrates how persistence, strategy, and a clear, compelling vision can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles.

Looking Forward: Implementation and Impact

With SB 79 set to become law, the real work now shifts to implementation. Local governments, developers, and transit agencies will need to collaborate to ensure the policy’s promise becomes a reality. Advocates stress the importance of ongoing community engagement to address concerns, ensure equity, and support neighborhoods as they grow and change.

At the same time, the success of SB 79 in California could provide a blueprint for other states seeking to address housing shortages and climate change through state-led zoning reform. The YIMBY movement’s eight-year battle—and eventual triumph—has shown that bold, systemic solutions are not only possible, but achievable with perseverance and broad-based support.

A Historic Moment for Housing Policy

As SB 79 awaits the governor’s signature, supporters across California and the nation are celebrating a victory that seemed out of reach just a few years ago. The passage of this landmark legislation signals a new era for housing policy—one rooted in equity, sustainability, and opportunity.

The eight-year fight for SB 79 is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and collective action. It stands as an example for housing advocates everywhere: even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with determination, unity, and the courage to keep moving forward.

In Hanlon’s words, “Nothing is impossible.” With each home built near transit, each family finding affordable housing, and each neighborhood becoming more vibrant and accessible, SB 79’s legacy will endure—not just in California, but in every community inspired by the YIMBY movement’s remarkable journey.

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