Key facts
- California has only 24 affordable housing units for every 100 extremely low-income households.
- Construction costs in California increased by approximately 36.5% between January 2021 and January 2024.
A ballot measure in California this November aims to modify the state's environmental law, potentially making it easier to build large housing developments in areas outside of cities. This initiative comes as the state grapples with a severe housing shortage, characterized by a lack of affordable units for its most vulnerable populations and high rental costs that force many residents to spend over half their income on housing.