Housing affordability advocates are gearing up for a significant legislative push in 2026, with prominent figures like M. Nolan Gray, Senior Director of Legislation and Research at California YIMBY, urging supporters to "Trust the process" and join the upcoming YIMBY Lobby Day. The call to action, shared via social media, highlights optimism for future housing reforms in California.
"@CirculateSD @SacYIMBY @YIMBYDemsSD So chin up. Trust the process. And join us for YIMBY Lobby Day. The best is yet to come," M. Nolan Gray stated in a recent tweet.
This sentiment follows a period of substantial legislative activity in California aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability. Organizations such as Circulate San Diego (now Circulate Planning & Policy), a nonprofit focused on mobility choices and vibrant neighborhoods, have been instrumental in advocating for these changes. Circulate San Diego, along with California YIMBY and YIMBY Democrats of San Diego, co-hosted a 2025 YIMBY Legislative Town Hall specifically to plan for the 2026 legislative session, emphasizing inclusive and effective campaigns.
M. Nolan Gray is a well-known urban planner and author, recognized for his advocacy against restrictive zoning laws and for policies that promote denser, more affordable urban development. His work, including the book "Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It," has significantly influenced the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement, which champions increased housing construction to address affordability crises. Gray's role at California YIMBY, a statewide housing policy and advocacy organization, positions him at the forefront of these efforts.
The YIMBY movement has seen legislative successes, particularly with the state's density bonus law, which allows developers to exceed density limits in exchange for including affordable housing units. A recent report by Circulate Planning & Policy indicated that this law has become the most widely utilized policy to accelerate housing development in California, with nearly half of new townhouses or apartments in 2024 utilizing the density bonus. This success is attributed to reforms championed by San Diego lawmakers and co-sponsored by Circulate.
The upcoming YIMBY Lobby Day is expected to focus on further legislative ideas and continued advocacy for policies that streamline development, encourage high-rise housing near transit hubs, and expand affordable homeownership opportunities. With key organizations aligning their efforts, the YIMBY movement anticipates continued progress in addressing California's persistent housing challenges.
