URBAN LAND INSTITUTE
SB 375
SB 375 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on September 30, 2008. This bill links land use decisions to transportation funding decisions in a way that is unprecedented in California. The vehicle for this coordination is a new regional land use plan called a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). The result is expected to be more rational and coordinated regulation and public funding, which in turn should accelerate the pace at which development consistent with these plans can proceed.
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If implemented well, SB 375 would help California accommodate growth in ways that are economically sound, environmentally responsible, and socially beneficial. As such, SB 375 has the potential to improve the quality of life for Californians, and is one tool that can address a number of problems long associated with sprawl, including traffic congestion, the cost burden of housing, declining air quality, increases in greenhouse gas emissions, and the geographical imbalance between jobs and housing. SB 375 also has the potential to capitalize on relevant federal funding opportunities.
Forward-thinking policy like SB 375 can generate economic benefits that progressively increase over time, and mitigate the impact of growth on natural resources.
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If properly implemented, SB 375 could have a number of positive economic benefits. These potential benefits include:
- Long-term savings in municipal service costs, as the initial higher capital costs of supporting infill development are outweighed by the long-term per capita savings in maintenance costs, municipal services, and infrastructure.
- Increased development certainty, which can ease the cost burden of permitting and facilitate an efficient residential development process;
- More efficient use of public transportation systems due to higher fare recovery;
- Enhanced public health of citizens by offering walkable environments accessible to goods and services, and improved local air quality;
- Reduced development pressure on the state’s agricultural lands; and
- Decreased dependence on fossil fuels, thereby making California less vulnerable to shocks in energy prices.
As the foundation of SB 375 is to strategically link land use and transportation efforts, it is critical that funding exist to develop and operate the necessary transit to support and connect residents to employment, both of which will likely grow in greater concentrations in urban and suburban areas.
Download full version (PDF): SB 375 Impact Analysis Report
About Urban Land Institute
www.uli.org
“The mission of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Founded in 1936, the institute now has more than 40,000 members worldwide representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines, working in private enterprise and public service.
Tags: Arnold Schwarzenegger, CA, California, SB375, Sustainable Communities Strategy, ULI, Urban land Institute
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