Learn how ballot measures impact the region during Oct. 7 Proposition Briefing Webinar
(Sept. 30, 2026 — Marina, CA) — Learn about the California ballot propositions that could significantly impact housing production in our region during Monterey Bay Economic Partnership’s Proposition Briefing, a webinar scheduled for 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
The Nov. 3, 2026 California general election includes measures that could help more families afford down payments, remove funding barriers so more affordable housing can be built, and streamline environmental review laws so essential housing and infrastructure projects can advance more quickly. Each election cycle, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership carefully evaluates how statewide ballot measures affect our regional goals. Among the 14 statewide ballot measures, we are actively focusing on four initiatives that directly align with our core housing priorities and hold the greatest significance for the Monterey Bay region.
“In a state with some of the highest housing costs in the nation, the Monterey Bay region is singularly exceptional when it comes to housing affordability,” says Monterey Bay Economic Partnership President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “Our Proposition Briefing is designed to demystify the most significant housing-related propositions for our region, and inform deliberate, thoughtful choices that help our region address its housing crisis.” Our region’s high housing costs — and the gap between median wages and what families actually pay for a roof over their heads — just keep growing.
Through policy advocacy, employer engagement, and direct investment via the Monterey Bay Housing Trust, MBEP works to increase housing supply across all income levels. Every new unit built not only addresses a critical social need but also drives sustained economic output and workforce stability.
Following are MBEP’s Housing Proposition Endorsements:
YES On Proposition 1, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act
What it does: Authorizes California to issue $11.25 billion in bonds to fund safe, affordable housing for veterans, low-income seniors, working families, people with disabilities, and other targeted groups without raising taxes.
Why it’s important to our region: There are several sites representing thousands of new affordable homes that are ready to access these funds and create much-needed housing for farmworkers, hospitality service employees, teachers, and many others.
We are proud to join other endorsers such as: California Association of Veterans Services Agencies, Housing California, California Professional Firefighters, League of Women Voters, California Chamber of Commerce
YES On Proposition 37, the California Middle Class Home Ownership Act
What it does: Authorizes up to $25 billion in revenue bonds to provide low-interest, down payment assistance loans to eligible middle-class Californians. Bonds are to be repaid through homeowner mortgage payments rather than the state.
Why it’s important to our region: Many moderate-income households in our region can afford the monthly payments on an $800,000 home, but do not have the full $160,000 (20%) down payment. Instead, it allows them to purchase a home with a more attainable $24,000 (3%) down payment.
We are proud to join other endorsers such as: California Teachers Association, Non Profit Housing Association of Northern CA, California Chamber of Commerce, California State Commanders Veterans Council, California League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
YES On Proposition 45, Modernize Our Environmental Protection Act
What it does: Changes California’s environmental review laws to speed up approvals for certain essential projects – such as housing, water, clean energy, hospitals, schools, public safety infrastructure, broadband, wildfire prevention, and transportation (excluding high-speed rail) – while keeping existing environmental protections. These projects will have to follow a new, faster review and court challenge process, with tighter timelines and reduced legal review scope.
Why it’s important to our region: Many essential projects in our region will be able to move forward with faster, more predictable approval processes, lowering costs and boosting economic activity while maintaining environmental protections.
We are proud to join other endorsers such as: Non Profit Housing Association of Northern California, California Chamber of Commerce, California Building Industry Association, American Clean Power-California, Environmental Policy Innovation Center
NO On Proposition 43, Protect Local Affordable Housing Funding
What it does: Would require two-thirds voter approval for all local special taxes approved after Jan. 1, 2027, including those proposed by voters. This would weaken current rights that voters have to make our own decisions at the ballot box about how we raise and spend our own money locally.
Why it’s important to our region: This proposition would make voter-led local funding efforts more difficult by raising the voter approval threshold from a simple majority to two-thirds. With this passed, it would become difficult to approve local affordable housing funds. In a 2025 special election, Santa Cruz voters approved Measure C by 54% after a successful local petition placed a blended parcel tax and sales tax measure on the ballot. This new resource will generate approximately $100 million over the next 20 years to help create hundreds of new homes and prevent homelessness. Recent polling showed that a majority of Monterey County residents in unincorporated areas supported a new tax on ultra-high-priced homes over $5 million that would be used to create more workforce housing. This measure will also block critically important investments in public schools, fire protection, and emergency services, even when voters propose those solutions themselves.
We are proud to join other opponents such as: Cal Cities, Non Profit Housing Association of Northern California, League of Women Voters, California Teachers Association, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, SEIU California
Sign up for our Proposition Briefing to learn more about the housing-related measures on the state ballot that can help create a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous region. The webinar will include opportunities to ask questions.
About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.