Poll finds broad support for governor newsom's housing reform efforts

A recent poll indicates that a large majority of Californians support Governor Gavin Newsom’s reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), aimed at speeding up housing and infrastructure development. The survey found strong backing for these changes across political parties, age groups, and communities.

“There’s no question — Californians are ready for us to build housing and infrastructure now. With this new authority and broad public support, we have real momentum to continue accelerating progress and deliver the results our communities deserve,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

According to the poll, 74% of all Californians favor the CEQA revisions. Support spans party lines, with 70% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats in agreement. By age group, approval ranges from 73% among Gen Z respondents to 77% among Baby Boomers. The poll also shows widespread support among different racial groups: 71% of Asian voters, 82% of Black voters, 72% of Hispanic voters, and 76% of white voters back the reforms.

Earlier this summer, Governor Newsom signed legislation as part of the state’s budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 that introduced significant changes to housing law. These measures included Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 131. The new laws aim to streamline CEQA review processes for critical projects and provide tools intended to accelerate construction while reducing costs.

The reforms are part of a broader effort by Governor Newsom’s administration to address California’s homelessness crisis. This strategy includes increasing housing production, funding shelters and supportive services, holding local governments accountable for progress on homelessness, removing unsafe encampments, addressing mental health needs through Proposition 1 initiatives, updating conservatorship laws, and establishing a CARE court system.

Recent state reports show reductions in homelessness in several California communities. State officials attribute this trend in part to increased investment in local government programs since Governor Newsom took office. Between 2014 and 2019—before his tenure—unsheltered homelessness rose by about 37,000 people statewide; since then growth has slowed considerably.

In comparison with national trends in 2024—when homelessness increased by over 18% nationwide—California limited its overall increase to just 3%, which was lower than increases seen in most other states such as Florida, Texas, New York, and Illinois. The state also reported the largest reduction in veteran homelessness nationally as well as improvements in youth homelessness rates.