California’s upcoming primary election includes Proposition 1 on the ballot, budgeting $11.2 billion for housing resources across the state. Housing affordability is a pressing issue for various students on Cal Poly’s campus.
Proposition 1 would allow the state to sell $11.2 billion in general obligation bonds. It is expected to aid up to 40,000 multifamily rental units, while also helping another 40,000 households buy a home, according to CalMatters.
If Proposition 1 passes, $350 million will be directed towards Cal State and University of California housing infrastructure, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office. The Cal State system would receive $175 million.
“I think overall that’s a good thing, especially for here in Cal Poly where housing is not available and the housing market here is so so expensive and rent has gone out of control,” said Armen Jamgotchian, an agricultural business junior. “Creating more housing, especially here in SLO, is definitely a good thing, especially for students and faculty workers to hopefully bring the housing costs down.”
Although funding for more student housing is always in demand, Jessica Shaffer, a liberal studies freshman, said she does not appreciate Cal Poly’s two-year housing requirement when considering the price compared to off-campus housing. Shaffer questions the tangible aid that Cal State students would benefit from in housing affordability.
“[It] seemed kind of weird to me if you’re supposed to live on campus in the second year, but it’s more expensive than if you really move off campus,” Shaffer said.
Proposition 1, if passed, would also fund $450 million for farmworker housing, helping agricultural workers and their families access more affordable living. It would provide grants and loans to build new housing or renovate existing homes. The funding would provide approximately 2,500 housing units for farmworkers, according to California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office.
The funding aims to help local farms retain their employees while reducing the financial pressures on farmworker families, according to CalMatters. These new housing developments would benefit surrounding communities, such as Paso Robles, Nipomo and Arroyo Grande.
Additional funding would go towards veteran, farmers and multifamily housing support.
“I feel like that’s a smaller percentage than I would think they would contribute to schools, but also California has such a wide population,” said Ashley Butz, an industrial engineering junior. “I think it’s good to spread that money out wherever they need it.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California Democratic Party, the California Federation of Teachers, the California Apartment Association and the California Labor Federation, AFC-CIO, all support Proposition 1, according to CalMatters.
Campaign support for Proposition 1 has $12 million total in funding, according to CalMatters. Real estate groups have raised $3.19 million, technology groups have raised $2.32 million and finance and insurance groups have raised $1.48 million. Notable donors include Airbnb, Building a Better California and Meta.
“I think it’s a great idea and I would like to see it implemented,” Jamgotchian said. “However, with taxes through the roof right now and inflation at an all time high, I think it might not be the best time to implement it.”
The proposition is expected to be authorized through state bonds. There will be an increase of $500 million to $600 million annually in state expenses for 25 years in order to repay the housing bond, according to the California Secretary of State.