Asm. Harabedian Supercharges San Gabriel Valley Housing Development

(PASADENA, CA) -Three new laws authored this year by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) reduce barriers to housing production while protecting the historic resources that make our communities unique. High housing costs are pushing Californians out of their homes, and making it difficult for young people to settle down. To address this crisis, California must significantly increase housing production in its expensive urban centers.

"California is showing that there is no zero-sum choice between accelerating housing production and historic preservation," said Assemblymember Harabedian. "These new laws make it clear that we can reduce red tape around housing construction while also preserving the historic sites that are anchors of our identity."

AB 2058 eliminates extra permitting and inspection requirements for factory-built housing, allowing developers to employ efficient and cost-effective construction technologies that will lower housing costs for Californians.

AB 1786 allows general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to employ best-value contracting. This will improve the cost-effectiveness of government project delivery, and allow local communities to build affordable housing-as well as accompanying infrastructure-more efficiently.

Meanwhile, AB 2576 makes targeted amendments to the previous year's SB 79, which increased allowable housing densities near public transit. The bill specifies that designated historic districts and landmarks located on SB 79-impacted areas are eligible for protection. In doing so, AB 2576 provides an important clarification on SB 79's interaction with historic preservation laws. This ensures that local governments and housing developers have the regulatory clarity they need to implement SB 79 and build much-needed transit-oriented housing.

"AB 2576 shows that housing production and historic preservation go hand in hand," said Assemblymember Harabedian. "We can expand transit-oriented development to lower housing costs while also taking common-sense measures to preserve our historical assets."

"AB 2576 strikes an important balance between advancing California's housing goals and preserving the historic resources that define our communities. We appreciate Assemblymember Harabedian's leadership and Governor Newsom's action to sign this important legislation into law." - Mayor Tim Hepburn, City of La Verne.

"Pasadena can build more housing while protecting the historic places that define our community. AB 2576 strikes that balance and helps cities meet the housing crisis responsibly. I thank Assemblymember Harabedian for his leadership."- Councilmember Tyron Hampton, City of Pasadena.

"We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember John Harabedian, the California Legislature and Governor Newsom for adopting AB 2576. We in Pasadena are firmly committed to affordable housing and to balancing the impacts of new development with an equal commitment to preserving our historic districts and neighborhood quality of life. The adoption of this important legislation strengthens our ability to do so." - Councilmember Steve Madison, City of Pasadena.

"AB 2576 ensures that communities like San Dimas can welcome new housing near transit without sacrificing the historic character that makes our city special. Thank you to Assemblymember Harabedian for protecting the places our residents have fought for generations to preserve." - Councilmember Eric Nakano, City of San Dimas.

AB 1786, AB 2058 and AB 2576 all passed the Legislature with strong bipartisan support and take effect January 1, 2027.

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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.