Governor Newsom signs legislation to accelerate housing and affordability
Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Senate Bill 79 (Wiener) and additional bills to make it easier and faster to build more homes — expanding inventory and access across California. These measures cut red tape and hold local governments accountable, so families don’t have to wait years for housing to be approved and built in their communities.
72 Affordable Homes for Families Under Way in Sonoma
“We applaud the State and County leadership and all of our partners for their commitment to much-needed housing, especially for farmworkers who play an essential role in the region’s economy,” said Joanna Carman, Senior Vice President and Co-Head of Housing Development for MidPen. “We can’t wait to welcome 72 families home to Summer Oaks!”
MidPen Housing Celebrates Construction Milestone for 72-Unit Affordable Community in Sonoma
When complete in Fall 2026, Summer Oaks will provide 72 affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for families with incomes up to 60% AMI (currently $75,480 for a family of four), including 52 homes reserved for residents who work in farming and agriculture. Eighteen of the apartments carry project-based vouchers, providing an even deeper level of affordability; two of those units will have dedicated referrals from Sonoma County’s Coordinated Entry System.
Measure A earns support of San Jose mayor, police and DA
“Passing this temporary, stopgap measure means we don’t have to choose between providing health care for San Jose families and prosecuting crime,” Mayor Mahan said in a statement shared by the public safety unions. “No community should have to make that choice, and by stepping up together we can ensure Santa Clara County residents don’t.”
MidPen Housing Invests in Residents’ Futures with Scholarship Awards
“Access to education is a catalyst for lifelong potential, and MidPen is committed to making it more accessible for residents,” said Brenda Castillo-Garza, Senior Vice President and Head of Resident Services for MidPen. “Their areas of study range widely: medical assisting, HVAC certification, social work and psychology, electrical engineering. When residents pursue education, they’re investing in their futures, and we’re proud to invest alongside them.”
Editorial: Yes on Santa Cruz affordable housing Measure C
We urge Santa Cruz voters to approve the Workforce Housing Affordability Act (“Measure C”) on the Nov. 4 ballot. But unless potential voters have studied the measure, unfortunate confusion could sway the vote, as “Measure C” led by Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and the nonprofit Housing Santa Cruz County is being countered on the ballot by the Workforce Housing and Climate Protection Act (“Measure B”), which is backed by the real estate industry.
Bryan Taing Joins MidPen Housing as SVP, Head of Property Management
“Bryan has extensive experience managing complex property portfolios, and I’m particularly excited about his ability to pair operational and financial excellence with a genuine passion for people,” said Matthew O. Franklin, MidPen Housing’s President and CEO.
Mayor Lurie Cuts Ribbon on 100% Affordable Housing Development for SFUSD Educators, District Employees
“These 135 new homes are the result of an amazing collaboration between SFUSD, MOHCD, the United Educators of San Francisco, and MidPen,” said Matthew O. Franklin, President and CEO of MidPen Housing. “Together, we’ve created a model for housing that prioritizes public school teachers and district workers across a wide range of incomes—people who are essential to a thriving community.”
Shirley Chisholm Village Opens in San Francisco
Shirley Chisholm Village was developed by MidPen Housing and includes a mix of apartments designed to accommodate a range of household sizes. In addition to housing, Shirley Chisholm Village provides a robust suite of on-site services, including academic-based after-school and summer programs for youth, economic mobility programs, homeownership education, and adult education classes.
First Affordable Housing Earmarked For Teachers Opens In Sunset District
“When teachers and their families live in San Francisco, it means more time at school, more time with students,” Mayor Daniel Lurie said. “Our SFUSD educators will be able to stay late to lead a club, and it means a shorter commute home so that they can be with their own families.”