Call to Action: Support SB 79, Pro-Housing Zoning Reform Near High-Quality Transit

As a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 79 (Wiener), the Bay Area Council is urging our members to take immediate action to support this landmark housing legislation. SB 79 is a critical part of the Council’s pro-housing policy advocacy agenda and represents one of the most ambitious and important zoning reform efforts of the legislative session.

The bill will be voted on the Assembly Floor shortly when the Legislature returns from recess on August 18 and will return to the Senate Floor for a concurrence vote shortly thereafter. Your outreach now can make the difference.

SB 79 enables increased housing density near high-quality transit by requiring local governments to upzone qualifying parcels in areas served by robust public transportation. The measure advances sustainable growth and increases housing supply. This is among the most controversial and high-stakes housing bills of the 2024–25 legislative session. While the policy is aligned with Gov. Newsom’s housing and climate goals, strong support from the business community is essential to demonstrate that pro-housing policies are also pro-jobs, pro-growth, and pro-economy.

Legislators must hear that housing supply and affordability are top concerns for employers, not just housing advocates. The Bay Area Council’s policy team will be submitting a coalition letter from our member companies. To add your organization’s name, please contact Senior Vice-President of Policy Matt Regan or Bay Area Council lobbyist Alex Torres.