Governor Signs Zbur Bill to Tackle Student Housing Insecurity at California Community Colleges

AB 648 will combat housing insecurity and homelessness among community college students, staff, and faculty while also addressing California's broader housing crisis by increasing the supply of affordable housing in local communities.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) is proud to announce today that Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 648, a bill to streamline student, staff, and faculty housing projects on community college campuses. Sponsored by Santa Monica College, Abundant Housing LA, Student Homes Coalition, and the Los Angeles Community College District, this bill ensures that community college districts have the authority to build housing - just as they do for educational facilities - on property they own or lease while eliminating barriers that slow or prevent construction. In addition, this law will be a significant benefit in addressing California's housing crisis by opening up affordable units in communities that students and staff would have otherwise occupied.

"This law will address housing insecurity for our community college students and staff and help prevent homelessness," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "California's community college students face some of the highest rates of housing insecurity and homelessness in the state. By eliminating barriers to the construction of critical housing projects, California is taking another bold step toward tackling our affordable housing crisis. Housing is a fundamental need, and with this law, students will be able to focus on their studies and staff and faculty on their work-without the stress of not knowing where they will sleep at night."

According to a 2024 report by the California Legislative Analyst's Office, more than half of California's community college students faced housing insecurity in 2023, and about a quarter of those nearly 2 million students experienced homelessness. Additionally, findings from a 2023 Basic Needs Survey of over 66,000 students at 88 community colleges found that 3 out of 5 students were housing insecure and 1 in 4 were homeless.

The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems already have the authority to build student housing regardless of how their properties are zoned. Despite their past as commuter schools, California Community Colleges have become an integral part of the education system and a key stepping stone, allowing vulnerable populations to access higher education. AB 648 ensures that California Community Colleges (CCCs) now have the same authority as the UCs and CSUs to build housing quickly and efficiently on property that they own or lease located within a half-mile radius of a main campus or an existing satellite campus. Community colleges will still be required to follow other local regulations and consult with their local planning department.

"With the passage of AB 648, Santa Monica College will be able to expedite the student housing construction process and get more housing-insecure students into safe and educational living situations," said Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, Superintendent/President of Santa Monica College. "This is an especially critical time to be able to provide housing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff who became displaced due to the tragic Palisades and Eaton wildfires earlier this year."

"Restrictive local zoning regulations have been a major barrier to producing housing for community college students - and the faculty and staff who serve them," said Azeen Khanmalek, Executive Director of Abundant Housing LA. "California's community colleges are ready and willing to be a part of the housing solution, and now with AB 648, CCCs will have the tools to deliver affordable housing for students, faculty, and staff. Communities surrounding CCCs will greatly benefit as well, with new housing reducing the pressure on existing housing stock."

"For far too long, thousands of California's Community College students have been coming into class after having slept in their car, in a shelter, or on the street," said Kate Rodgers, Co-Chair of the Student HOMES Coalition. "Our state and local policies have failed to address the housing crisis at CCCs, even as nearly 1 in 4 students experience homelessness each year. AB 648 will change that. This critical legislation will enable community colleges to better support their students' housing needs, setting them up for academic success and long-term financial stability."

"In the Los Angeles region, where the cost of living is significantly higher than the state average, AB 648 accelerates the construction of affordable housing for students pursuing their community college education," stated Dr. Kelsey Iino, President of the Los Angeles Community College District Board. "I am grateful to the legislature for passing this important piece of legislation and thank the Governor for signing it."

"I would like to recognize Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur for authoring AB 648," said Trustee David Vela, Chair of the Los Angeles Community College District Legislative Committee. "We were proud sponsors of AB 648 because it will expedite the construction of housing for students and staff at LACCD and across the state, helping those facing housing insecurity and homelessness."

"AB 648 will allow community college districts to build student and staff housing more quickly, which will help reduce construction costs," noted LACCD Chancellor Alberto Roman. "These savings can then be reinvested into essential student services."

AB 648 takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, [email protected]