As we review Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget proposal, it’s becoming clear that, once again, proposed expenditures are not in alignment with California’s climate goals. With the first balanced budget in three years, the governor is missing a massive opportunity to commit additional resources to vital housing and transportation programs that will reduce climate emissions.
Affordable housing and transportation are essential for Californians
Affordability was clearly a big theme in the 2024 election, and investments in housing and transportation are a fundamental part of the solution. On average, Californians spend 62% of their income on combined housing and transportation costs. The state has the power to increase transit service and double down on the production of affordable housing, but Governor Newsom’s budget fails to do so.
We need more funding for new affordable homes to combat the rising cost of housing and the increasing number of homeless residents. We’re intrigued by the creation of a new Department of Housing and Homelessness and will continue to track that closely, but we remain disappointed that the governor didn’t appropriate new funds for housing.
Californians also need affordable transportation options. In too many communities, people are trapped in their cars and forced into long commutes to reach workplaces. While it’s notable that, for the first time in three years, the governor didn’t try to pull money from the tiny Active Transportation Program, the transportation budget still puts too many dollars toward highway projects and not enough into public transit and biking and walking infrastructure.
Climate investments are critical
Voters approved a $10 billion climate bond in 2024, which will positively impact California’s ability to put state monies toward projects that mitigate climate change. However, the bond is a fraction of what’s needed to make our communities climate-resilient. Our climate budget must find funding beyond the bond to make those investments now. Instead, the budget pulls money from existing programs that were funded by the bond.
With the reauthorization of California’s Cap and Trade program on the table this year, Transform is focused on identifying additional funding for climate solutions. As recent climate disasters such as the LA fires show, we don’t have a moment to spare to reduce emissions.
https://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/homeless-RV-housing-scaled-e1736899313657.jpg6431920Zack Deutsch-Grosshttps://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Company-Logo.pngZack Deutsch-Gross2025-01-14 16:09:272025-01-15 14:03:39Governor’s Proposed Budget Falls Short on Housing, Transportation, and Climate
Transform has long championed transit-oriented development (TOD). Adding new housing near transit hubs addresses the Bay Area’s housing crisis while enabling residents to choose transit, walking, and biking over driving. Infill housing, especially when it is affordable, is also a powerful and durable way to address the climate crisis. Recently, two projects Transform worked on took significant steps — breaking ground in Oakland’s Chinatown and securing funding at El Cerrito Plaza BART.
Creating a funding pipeline for affordable infill development
A decade ago, Transform and Housing California conceived and led a statewide campaign to have polluters pay for affordable TOD through the Cap-and-Trade Program. When state leaders said they wouldn’t be able to quantify the climate benefits of TOD, Transform co-authored a report that developed a methodology that proved it was possible, and the next week the program was adopted, getting 20% of cap-and-trade funds. The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program has now funded over 15,000 homes, with 70% in disadvantaged communities.
The AHSC program’s upcoming TODs at two BART stations — with early engagement in planning at the local level and funding from the AHSC program — reflect the sweep of Transform’s impact to create and shape housing that allows people to reduce their carbon footprints while increasing access to jobs, education, and other opportunities.
Breaking ground on TOD in Oakland Chinatown
On October 17, the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a cornerstone project in the plan: Chinatown TOD Senior Housing. The project received $16.5 million from the AHSC program. This new development will ensure more seniors can age in place in the neighborhood and help mitigate a severe shortage of affordable senior housing.
EBALDC rendering
From 2012 to 2014, Transform was deeply engaged in planning for this area by the Lake Merritt BART Plaza. The vision was to create a more active, vibrant, and safe district that would be economically inclusive and historically and culturally restorative.
To shape the specific projects to be built, Transform partnered with EBALDC and BART in 2019 and 2020 to hold three workshops, facilitate ten stakeholder conversations, and conduct community surveys. Transform also provided technical analysis: a white paper on multifamily parking, a GreenTRIP Certification evaluation of ways to reduce driving and minimize parking supply, and a matrix of funding sources for transportation infrastructure.
The groundbreaking was a momentous step toward realizing the vision of affordable TOD developments above BART stations. Our engagement won’t stop when the building is complete; Transform will be working with EBALDC to bring our Know How to Go programming to future residents. Our staff will offer age-appropriate education and encouragement activities tailored to the community’s specific needs. We’ll help residents understand nearby walking, rolling, and transit options to get where they need to go — for work, healthcare, shopping, and social time. And we’ll make sure residents know how to access discounted transit fares and transportation services.
El Cerrito Plaza TOD Gets State Funding
Planning is underway to transform the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station from a collection of parking lots to a place for people that includes homes, public open space, and community uses. It will also help connect the station to the downtown and economic core of the city.
About half of the 743 housing units will be affordable to low-income residents. And the first 70 units just received $39 million in funding from the AHSC program.
But it wasn’t easy to get this plan accepted by the community. Many, especially those who drive from the Hills, were concerned that they’d no longer be able to easily access BART. And in 2019, they were vocal about it.
BART and Transform facilitated several community engagement efforts supported by a state grant. Efforts included:
BART passenger survey about how people access the station
In-station outreach events
An open house
Individual stakeholder interviews.
Ultimately, a plan was developed to provide between 100 and 150 garage spaces for BART riders. Future TOD residents will have access to about 260 dedicated vehicle parking spaces and 1,100 secure bike parking spaces, including spaces for cargo/family bikes. Additionally, the City of El Cerrito is working on a parking management plan that may allow BART riders who drive to pay to park on-street.
Getting the parking right doesn’t usually mean zero parking, but it is imperative to minimize parking by pricing it appropriately, identifying existing parking that can be better used, and, of course, providing great alternatives to driving.
The Chinatown and El Cerrito projects vividly illustrate the sweep of Transform’s work at the intersection of housing and transportation. From helping lay the groundwork for affordable TOD to helping win key funding to helping future residents get around safely and sustainably, Transform’s work fosters more equitable, climate-friendly communities.
Climate crisis mitigation, affordable housing, public transportation, and racial equity are all on the November 2024 ballot. Below, we offer Transform’s positions on relevant propositions and measures that move our mission forward and help move the needle on these crucial, urgent issues. This guide includes statewide measures and local ballot initiatives in each region of the Bay Area.
As a 501(c)3, Transform can take positions on ballot measures but cannot endorse candidates. We worked with the Transbay Coalition and other allies to gather candidate questionnaires on sustainable transportation. You can find links to the questionnaires here.
Short list of Transform positions on ballot propositions
Statewide
Yes on Prop 4
Yes on Prop 5
Yes on Prop 33
No on Prop 34
Local
SAN FRANCISCO Yes on Prop B Yes on Prop G Yes on Prop K Yes on Prop L
SOUTH BAY Yes on East Palo Alto Measure JJ Yes on San Mateo City Measure T
EAST BAY Yes on Albany Measure C Yes on Berkeley Measure BB No on Berkeley Measure CC No on Berkeley Measure EE Yes on Berkeley Measure FF Yes on Berkeley Measure W
NORTH BAY No on Fairfax Measure I Yes on Fairfax Measure J Yes on Larkspur Measure K Yes on Petaluma Measure Y Yes on San Anselmo Measure N Yes on San Anselmo Measure O
Detailed breakdown of Transform’s ballot measure positions
STATEWIDE
Yes on Prop 4: $10 billion for climate crisis mitigation
Transform officially endorsed the Yes on Prop 4 Campaign early on. Prop 4 will make urgent investments in proven solutions for mitigating the deadly and destructive impact of the climate crisis. Without clean air and drinking water, people can not walk, bike, and roll safely. Vote yes on Prop 4. Supported by the California Green New Deal Coalition.
Yes on Prop 5: Lower the approval threshold needed for funding affordable housing and public infrastructure
Transform officially endorsed the Yes on Prop 5 Campaign early on as well. Prop 5 will lower the voter approval threshold from 66% to 55% on housing and public infrastructure bonds. We urgently need to lower the systemic barriers to building new affordable housing and safer street infrastructure and this bond achieves that goal. Supported by Urban Habitat, Bike East Bay, East Bay Housing Organizations, and the California Green New Deal Coalition, among others. Vote yes on Prop 5, and please tell your friends to vote yes as well — this measure is crucial to allowing California communities to build a brighter future.
Yes on Prop 33: Remove limits on cities’ ability to adjust rent control regulations
Voting Yes on Prop 33 repeals the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995. The Act currently prohibits municipalities’ ability to adjust rent control policies such as imposing rent control on new developments built after 1995. Prop 33 will also prohibit the state from passing future restrictions. The proposition does not impose any rent control provision but merely frees local jurisdictions to enact renter protections that work in their communities. While rent control alone is not the ultimate panacea for our region’s housing crisis, it is an important tool that has improved the material conditions of the most vulnerable communities by protecting them from displacement. Supported by East Bay Housing Organizations and the California Green New Deal Coalition
No on Prop 34: Restrict how the AIDS Healthcare Foundation can spend funds
This proposition targets a single entity: the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). The organization has taken strong positions on tenant protections, earning the ire of the real estate industry. The requirements in this measure that nonprofit healthcare providers spend more on patient care might seem reasonable, but the qualifications written into the measure would apply to only one organization: AHF. It’s an attempt to stop AHF’s housing advocacy, and whether or not you agree with the organization’s positions, it’s a misuse of the proposition system that should not be rewarded with support. Opposed by East Bay Housing Organizations and the California Green New Deal Coalition. Vote No on Prop 34.
SAN FRANCISCO
Yes on Prop B:Funding for safer streets and shelter
This bond measure would provide funding for public amenities, including community health centers, street and sidewalk safety, and more shelter or interim housing space. Supported by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition because of the funding for infrastructure improvements. Vote yes on Prop B.
Yes on Prop G: City funding to keep rental units affordable
This would amend San Francisco’s charter and require the city to make annual contributions to an Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund for Seniors, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. The city already provides supplemental payments to landlords to create affordable housing units. We urgently need more, and this dedicated funding will help ensure San Francisco maintains affordable rentals. Vote yes on Prop G.
Yes on Prop K: Convert Upper Great Highway from a road into a park for people
Prop K will create a permanent car-free space on the Upper Great Highway by Ocean Beach, allowing a safer and more joyful experience for people enjoying San Francisco’s shoreline. Advocates have fought hard for this critical amenity since a COVID-era closure was rescinded. Supported by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Vote yes on Prop K.
Yes on Prop L: Tax ride-hail and autonomous vehicle businesses to fund crucial transit operations
SFMTA is facing an existential crisis due to a lack of funding. Prop L would contribute an estimated $25 million to critical transit operations, preserving Muni services and allowing people with disabilities, low-income families, and older adults to continue to travel around the region. Supported by Urban Habitat and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Vote yes on L.
EAST BAY:
Yes on Albany Measure C: Approve tax funding for sidewalks and pathways
More funding is urgently needed that is specifically dedicated to safer street infrastructure. Supported by Bike East Bay. Vote yes on Measure C.
Yes on Berkeley Measure BB: Fund housing retention programs and expand tenant protections
This measure, supported by Berkeley renters and the city’s Rent Control Board, strengthens renter protections and lowers the cap on rent increases. Urban Habitat joins us in supporting a yes vote on Measure BB.
No on Berkeley Measure CC: Limit and change tenant protections
The mirror image of Measure BB, CC raises the cap on rent increases slightly and limits the power of Berkeley’s Rent Control Board. Urban Habitat urges a no vote on Measure CC and so do we.
*If both Berkeley Measures BB and CC pass, the measure with the most votes will win.
No on Berkeley Measure EE: Competing with Measure FF with less funding, no guarantees for safer street infrastructure
Measure EE is in direct contention with Measure FF. Transform encourages you to vote no on Measure EE as it does not include a guaranteed dedicated revenue for safer street infrastructure and would also bring in less funding than Measure FF. We need to push for maximum funding for safe streets, not settle for potential scraps that are subject to political will. Bike East Bay opposes this measure. Vote no on Measure EE.
Yes on Berkeley Measure FF: Parcel tax to fund safer streets for all
Measure FF is a proposed Berkeley parcel tax of 17¢ per lot square foot residential and 25¢ commercial that will fund paving activities across the city and require bike/walk plan implementation to ensure that smoother streets don’t just lead to more speeding. Bike East Bay supports this measure. Vote yes on Measure FF.
*If both Berkeley Measures EE and FF pass, the measure with the most votes will win.
Yes on Berkeley Measure W: Parcel taxes to support homeless services
In 2018, Berkeley voters adopted Measure P, which raised the transfer tax on properties sold for over $1.5 million, with the revenue going to support homeless services. Measure W changes the formula. The tax increase, from 1.5% to 2.5% starts at $1.6 million and the rate increases progressively for higher-dollar real estate transactions. Supported by East Bay Housing Organizations. Vote yes on Measure W.
SOUTH BAY:
Yes on East Palo Alto Measure JJ:
This measure would divert revenue collected from an existing 2.5% tax on gross receipts from a general fund to instead go towards rental assistance for tenants and other types of housing assistance such as affordable home ownership, affordable housing preservation, protecting residents from displacement or homelessness, and administrative expenses. The San Mateo Anti-Displacement Coalition and Urban Habitat support this measure. Vote Yes on Measure JJ.
Yes on San Mateo City Measure T: Allow San Mateo to build more housing by Caltrain and along key corridors like El Camino Real
A great opportunity to rebuke outdated zoning and build more housing near transit, a key strategy to curbing intersectional climate and housing crises.
NORTH BAY:
No on Fairfax Measure I:
This measure would repeal Fairfax’s current Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and Rent Stabilization Ordinance passed in 2022 and replace it with the state standards put forth in the Contra-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. Opposition includes Canal Alliance, Public Advocates, Urban Habitat, and Tenants Together. Vote no on Measure I.
Yes on Fairfax Measure J:
This measure would allow for investment in safer street infrastructure, with dedicated investment in protected bike lanes and safer crosswalks by schools. This funding would also unlock millions in additional federal grant support needed to continue to design and build safer streets for all roadway users. Supported by Public Advocates. Vote yes on Measure J.
Yes on Larkspur Measure K: Establish rent control in Larkspur
Grassroots organizing brought this measure to the ballot. It will cap rent increases at 3%, or 60% of inflation — whichever is lower — and establishes other tenant rights. Supported by Urban Habitat and Public Advocates. Vote yes on Measure K.
Yes on Petaluma Measure Y: Extend Petaluma’s urban growth boundary
This measure preserves farmland and encourages the kind of dense, infill development the North Bay needs to combat climate change. Sprawl is a major driver of climate-killing emissions; vote yes on Measure Y.
Yes on San Anselmo Measure N: Establish rent control in San Anselmo
This measure caps rent increases for buildings with three units or more at 60% of inflation or 5%, whichever is less. Supported by Urban Habitat and Public Advocates. Vote yes on Measure N.
Yes on San Anselmo Measure O: Affirm tenant protection in San Anselmo
This ballot measure confirms tenant protections already in place, such as compensation for evictions without just cause and rent control. Vote yes on Measure N to protect sensible tenant protections. Supported by Urban Habitat and Public Advocates.
Please share this guide with your network, and don’t forget to vote by Tuesday, November 5th!
On Wednesday morning, the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) unanimously voted to remove Regional Measure 4 from the 2024 ballot. The measure would have raised $20 billion to alleviate the Bay Area’s housing and homelessness crisis. Unfortunately, the measure was scuttled in response to a series of eleventh-hour challenges by extremist anti-housing and anti-government activists. This is a tragic missed opportunity for voters to say yes to urgently needed affordable housing and homelessness funding.
This decision is heartbreaking for Transform and other housing advocates, and, more importantly, for the hundreds of thousands of people in our region who now must wait longer for the affordable housing and homelessness solutions Bay Area residents need and deserve.
The decision is also a major setback for our climate and transportation goals. By funding the construction of over 40,000 new affordable homes near transit, the measure would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over three million tons and spurred an additional five million transit trips per year.
While it is frustrating that a well-resourced group of naysayers halted progress on housing and homelessness this election, Transform and our partners will continue to build the necessary power to win big on these critical issues.
Looking Forward
All is not lost in the fight for affordable housing. Transform and our partners will be working hard to pass Prop 5 this November, which will lower the voter approval threshold for housing and public infrastructure bond measures to 55%. This measure is critical to advancing future affordable housing bond measures across the state.
Beyond November, our region continues to face significant challenges, from the housing and homelessness crisis to a looming transit fiscal cliff. New regional funding measures for both transportation and affordable housing are urgently needed. Passing both measures in the coming years will take unprecedented collaboration, creativity, and courage.
Transform will play a leading role in both these efforts as we continue our work to empower communities of color, innovate solutions, and advocate for policies and funding — all with the aim of helping people thrive and averting climate disaster. And we will need supporters like you in this fight to build up the necessary resources, political will, and movement organizing to beat the anti-taxers in future election cycles.
In the meantime, get ready to vote yes on Prop 5 in November, and stay tuned for future calls to action in the fight for housing, transportation, and climate justice for our region.
https://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sm_Housing-Bill-Image.jpg6731200Jenn Guitarthttps://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Company-Logo.pngJenn Guitart2024-08-16 14:55:002024-09-05 17:28:25Regional Housing Bond Measure Pulled from the Ballot — What It Means for Our Movement
https://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/nsplsh_775231314b426142383655mv2_d_4368_2912_s_4_2.webp616925Grecia Mannah-Ayonhttps://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Company-Logo.pngGrecia Mannah-Ayon2024-07-09 10:00:002024-08-05 16:42:51Regional Housing Bond Protects Climate Too
https://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/housing-near-transit-1.png512711Grecia Mannah-Ayonhttps://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Company-Logo.pngGrecia Mannah-Ayon2024-06-27 04:05:002024-10-14 15:47:03Regional Housing Bond Set to Be on the Ballot in November
https://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1044-scaled-e1720487389326.jpg14401920Jennifer Ledethttps://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Company-Logo.pngJennifer Ledet2024-06-11 08:46:002024-10-14 15:49:46The History and Future of Transform’s Pioneering Mobility Hubs Pilot
https://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Betty-Ann-Gardens-affordable-housing2-scaled-e1720478762391.jpg12801920Grecia Mannah-Ayonhttps://transformca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Company-Logo.pngGrecia Mannah-Ayon2024-05-30 05:03:002024-10-14 15:52:07How the Bay Area Housing Bond Boosts Our Fight Against Climate Change
