Two top Democratic legislators and a prominent labor group have joined the bipartisan opposition to an anti-housing measure on the November statewide ballot.

If approved, the so-called “Justice for Renters Act” would eliminate the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, landmark legislation that prevents stringent forms of rent control on specific types of housing, such as single-family homes and housing built after February 1995. The measure would give local governments unchecked power to impose extreme rent control policies, including vacancy controls, as well as affordable housing requirements so strict they effectively kill projects, preventing any new housing from being built.

Sen. Tony Atkins
Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks

Other newly announced opponents include:

  • Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland.
  • The California Council for Affordable Housing and the Housing Action Coalition also joined the opposition.
  • The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Norcal Carpenters Union.

Longtime State Senate leader Sen. Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, called last week for proponents to abandon the measure, which has qualified for the November statewide ballot.

Click here to learn more about the fight to protect Costa-Hawkins.