New Casita Coalition Working to Expand ADUs

The Casita Coalition, a grassroots statewide effort co-founded by the Bay Area Council and other housing advocates, held its inaugural convening today (May 17). The Casita Coalition works to expand the production of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), aka “casitas,” which offer a comparatively inexpensive and faster way to address California’s housing shortage. Since legislation the Council sponsored in 2016 easing fees and regulatory barriers, ADU applications across the state have spiked. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and Los Angeles Times housing reporter Liam Dillon talked to Casita Coalition members about the vast potential of ADUs.

Additionally, Coalition members discussed current efforts surrounding streamlining of ADU permitting, programs to provide a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) as a housing option for low-income workers, technological innovations in ADU construction, and financial innovations making ADUs feasible for more homeowners. The Coalition discussed forming subcommittees related to the above efforts, with the mission to increase advocacy and awareness. The group also explored opportunities for fundraising and revenue generation to sustain the work of the Coalition. To learn more about the Casita Coalition, please contact Policy Director Xiomara Cisneros.