CEQA Reform Advances Long-Standing Chamber Priority to Accelerate Infill Housing
As housing continues to rise as a top concern among our members—and a central focus of our strategic plan—we remain committed to advancing solutions that address the urgent need for more homes in our region. Housing development is foundational to our long-term economic vitality, workforce stability, and quality of life.
The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber plays an active role in advocating for housing solutions at the local, regional, and state levels. Our work has included coalition-building with business and community leaders, policy recommendations to elected officials, and direct advocacy in Sacramento. In the case of AB 130 and SB 131, we engaged in conversations with lawmakers, submitted letters of support, and joined with allied organizations to amplify the urgent need for CEQA reform to streamline housing production and accelerate critical infrastructure.
These CEQA updates represent a major win for Santa Rosa’s and other local jurisdictions’ ability to build more housing—faster and in smarter locations. By streamlining or eliminating lengthy environmental reviews for many infill projects, the reforms remove a significant barrier that has delayed or blocked development on underused or vacant land across our city. This includes former retail sites, empty commercial lots, and parcels near SMART stations—precisely the kind of locations where new housing supports both economic vitality and sustainability.
Importantly, these changes preserve local control while offering new tools to speed up projects that align with community goals. They empower our city to move forward with housing solutions that are close to jobs, transit, schools, and existing infrastructure—while helping to reduce costs and shorten timelines.
This is a practical step toward creating housing that is attainable for working families, young professionals, and older adults—something our community desperately needs. The Chamber will continue to advocate for policies that balance growth with livability, and we applaud the Legislature and Governor for making real progress on an issue that impacts us all.
