Housing

A view of two construction workers standing on top of the wooden framing of what will soon be apartments.

Politics

Why one union became one of the most pro-housing voices in California

Housing bills in California often face fierce opposition from construction unions. The carpenters’ union went their own way, becoming a “game-changing” force in the debate.

By

Jeanne Kuang

and

Ben Christopher

• July 10, 2025

Construction of what will be one of the largest mass timber towers in the world at 1510 Webster St. in downtown Oakland on Aug 7, 2023. Of the 222 units 35 are designated affordable housing for households earning around 80% of the Area Median Income. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

Housing

One of the biggest obstacles to building new CA housing has now vanished

In a legislative battle a decade in the making, lawmakers just exempted infill urban development from the California Environmental Quality Act. That’s a big deal.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 30, 2025

A person, with salt and pepper hair and wearing a black suit with a white collar shirt, stands in front of a black microphone stand overlooking a group of reporters and listeners.

Politics

A ‘poison pill’ in California’s budget deal ties state spending to construction

A state budget is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature, but it won’t take effect unless the Legislature makes changes to housing and infrastructure development rules that he has demanded.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 27, 2025

Two Los Angeles police officers oversee the cleanup of a homeless encampment on a beach, behind yellow police tape labeled "DO NOT CROSS." A shirtless person wearing a black hat organizes belongings on a stroller packed with personal items, including a pool noodle and bags. One officer carries a large trash bag, while another stands nearby with arms crossed. Various items, including coolers, bedding, and snacks, are strewn on the sand. The ocean is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Homelessness

They were repeatedly ticketed because of their homelessness. What did it change?

In Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, homeless Californians describe their experiences over the past year as camping ban enforcement has increased.

By

Marisa Kendall

,

Aaron Schrank

and

Lisa Halverstadt

• June 27, 2025

A side view of a man on a bike next to homeless tents lined up along a sidewalk underneath a highway in Sacramento.

Homelessness

In major cities and more rural areas, arrests and citations rose in the months following last summer’s Supreme Court decision. In some places, officials insist the events are unrelated.

By

Marisa Kendall

• June 27, 2025

Housing

Newsom and Legislature tangle with construction unions over minimum wage

Lawmakers are weighing a provision that would allow developers to pay a lower wage for some construction projects, theoretically stimulating housing production in California. Unions and environmental groups are opposed.

By

Ben Christopher

• June 25, 2025