In November, voters in four states will decide on housing-related ballot measures, experimenting with diverse strategies to increase affordable housing. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are presenting six measures, the most in a single election year in two decades, reports Ballotpedia, a nonpartisan election research group. These measures propose billions in bonds for new housing, easing lot-size restrictions, fast-tracking environmental reviews, and funding essential infrastructure for new developments.
“Voters are being asked to choose among very different theories of how you make housing more affordable,” said Caroline Welles, executive director of The First Ask, focused on electing first-time, female Democratic candidates. Each approach impacts different demographics over varying timelines.
A Massachusetts ballot measure allows single-family homes on lots of 5,000 square feet or more, provided they have public water and sewer access. Current zoning policies require lot sizes of 40,000 square feet or more, determined by local governments. Jesse Kanson-Benanav of Abundant Housing Massachusetts described these lot sizes as hindering single-family home development. The Massachusetts Municipal Association opposes the measure, citing local land-use decision rights and concerns about infrastructure capacity.
California’s Proposition 45 aims to streamline housing project permits and extends to other projects like clean energy and transportation. Supporters argue permitting delays add $75,000 to home costs. The California Legislative Analyst’s Office states it would tighten deadlines for environmental reviews under CEQA. Robert Rivinius, Family Business Association of California president, claims CEQA hampers necessary housing development. However, environmental groups and housing advocates fear it could facilitate unpopular developments.
Bond Issues
Rhode Island’s ballot includes a measure for $120 million in bonds for affordable housing, with $25 million for homeownership and up to $10 million for public housing. A similar bond was approved in 2024. Melina Lodge of Housing Network of Rhode Island emphasizes the need for targeted resources for lower-income housing, though some argue recent subsidies haven’t sufficiently increased housing affordability. The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council notes high development costs from previous bonds.
California’s Other Ballot Issues
California’s Proposition 1 would allow $11.25 billion in bonds for housing, with $10 billion for programs and $1.25 billion for veterans’ home loans. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates a $500-$600 million annual repayment cost. Critics question borrowing without addressing underlying building costs, while supporters argue it aids the 180,000 unhoused residents and those struggling with rent. Proposition 37 proposes up to $25 billion in bonds for a down payment assistance program for qualified buyers, with Rivinius supporting it as it could ease home purchases for young people.
Hawaii Constitutional Amendment
Hawaii voters will consider a constitutional amendment enabling counties to use special bonds for infrastructure in designated areas, repaid via future property tax revenue growth. Proponents believe it could unlock housing development along the Honolulu Skyline rail. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi argues these bonds are already legal, while the attorney general says an amendment is necessary.
