San Jose is about to level up its housing game, and honestly, it’s about time. 🙌

In a bold move that’s got housing advocates doing a happy dance, Governor Gavin Newsom just signed some game-changing bills that are basically giving the middle finger to bureaucratic red tape. Senate Bill 131 and Assembly Bill 130 are here to demolish environmental review obstacles faster than a tech startup disrupts an industry.

Breaking Down the Housing Revolution

What’s the big deal? These reforms are slashing through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations like a hot knife through butter. Infill housing projects under 20 acres, less than 85 feet tall, and meeting local zoning standards? They’re now getting a free pass on environmental reviews.

Who Wins? (Spoiler: Not NIMBYs)

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan isn’t shy about calling out how CEQA has been weaponized to delay crucial developments. “For too long, CEQA has been a roadblock to progress,” he said, and we’re here for this energy. The city estimates some projects could now get approved in half the time - talk about efficiency!

The Real Tea

While some environmental groups are side-eyeing these reforms, the planning department is stoked. San Jose needs to build 62,200 homes by 2031, and these changes might just be the rocket fuel their housing goals needed. Market-rate housing developers are particularly thrilled, with experts suggesting this could be the breakthrough needed to tackle the Bay Area’s housing crisis.

Stay tuned, because San Jose is about to get a serious urban makeover. 🏙️✨