California Construction News staff writer
California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has appointed Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D–Oakland) to chair a new Select Committee on Housing Construction Innovation, a panel charged with identifying modern, cost-efficient and climate-aligned ways to speed up homebuilding across the state.
State leaders say the move comes at a critical moment. Despite major legislative efforts over the past decade to expand housing-zoned land and streamline approvals, construction has not kept pace with demand — fueling high prices and worsening homelessness. Lawmakers say outdated building methods remain a significant barrier.
“California has made real progress in the work to open up land and speed approvals — but those gains won’t matter if we can’t bring down the cost of actually building homes,” Wicks said. She said the committee will study innovations that could meaningfully cut costs and help deliver homes “at the scale Californians need.”
Officials point to examples in Sweden, Japan and other countries where modular and prefabricated construction have reduced housing costs and timelines. The committee will examine why similar methods haven’t scaled in California and what policy changes could support their adoption. Members are expected to explore new materials, industrialized construction, and technology-driven design and review processes.
The committee will hold two to three public hearings in winter 2025–26. Topics will include innovative construction techniques, environmental benefits, opportunities to accelerate delivery, and regulatory, labor and financing considerations. Members also plan to tour modular factories, industrialized construction sites and 3D-printing projects.
“We’re never going to end our housing crisis by doing things the same way we’ve always done them,” said Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom), who will serve on the panel.
Findings will be compiled into a white paper in early 2026, followed by a legislative package aimed at removing barriers and supporting responsible innovation.
“Californians deserve housing that is affordable, full stop,” Rivas said. “Assemblymember Buffy Wicks is leading the charge, and I expect this committee to deliver affordable solutions… while continuing to provide opportunities for homebuilders and good-paying jobs for construction workers.”
Select Committee members:
- Asm. Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – Chair
- Asm. David Alvarez (D-San Diego)
- Asm. Jessica Caloza (D-Los Angeles)
- Asm. Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale)
- Asm. Sade Elhawary (D-South Los Angeles)
- Asm. Mark González (D-Los Angeles)
- Asm. Heather Hadwick (R-Alturas)
- Asm. Matt Haney (D-San Francisco)
- Asm. John Harabedian (D-Pasadena)
- Asm. Josh Hoover (R-Folsom)
- Asm. Diane Papan (D-San Mateo)
- Asm. Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton)
- Asm. Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy)
- Asm. Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City)
