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Bill

AB 11

The Social Housing Act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Haney and 2 co-sponsors

California bill establishes public social housing program allowing agencies and nonprofits to build permanently affordable rentals for low-to-moderate income residents as alternative to market-rate housing.

In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
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Bill Summary · AB 11

Legislative bill overview

AB 11 establishes a social housing program in California that would enable local public agencies and nonprofits to develop and operate affordable rental housing for low-to-moderate income residents. The bill provides a framework for creating publicly-owned or nonprofit-owned housing as an alternative to traditional market-rate and subsidized housing models, with affordability protections built into the program structure.

Why is this important

California faces a severe housing affordability crisis with median home prices and rents far exceeding income levels for most residents. Social housing models, used successfully in countries like Vienna and Singapore, aim to provide stable, permanently affordable housing while potentially reducing reliance on traditional subsidies and voucher programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Financing concerns: Questions about how the state and local agencies will fund construction and operations, particularly whether public funds should compete with other priorities like education and infrastructure
  • Market impact debate: Disagreement over whether social housing helps stabilize rental markets or distorts them by competing with private developers and potentially discouraging market-rate construction
  • Implementation complexity: Uncertainty about whether local governments have capacity to develop and manage large housing portfolios, and whether the program structure adequately protects against mismanagement or inefficiency

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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