The New Era of California Housing Backed by Older Adults

California's housing crisis is a pressing issue that affects residents of all ages, but older adults are particularly vulnerable. As the state’s population ages, the demand for affordable, accessible housing increases. Older residents want legislative solutions to improve housing availability and affordability, and they are playing a pivotal role in finding solutions.

AARP, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that represents the interests of older adults, strongly supported California’s AB 609 (Wicks) and SB 607 (Wiener), included in the 2025-26 California state budget and signed into law, and will help address the state’s housing needs.

AB 609 aims to streamline the approval process for new housing, ensuring that developments in existing neighborhoods can proceed without unnecessary delays [1]. This bill is a significant step towards increasing the housing supply quickly and efficiently. SB 607, on the other hand, focuses on improving the quality of life for California residents by ensuring that new housing developments are not only built faster but also meet the needs of the community [1]. This includes considerations for accessibility, safety, and affordability, which are crucial for older adults.

By 2030, one in every three Californians will be over the age of 50, and the proportion of those over 65 will have increased to 17% from 11% in 1998 [2]. According to a 2024 AARP member survey, 42% of respondents considered leaving California in the past year, with 86% citing cost as the reason. Additionally, data reveals “California’s homeless population is aging rapidly, with adults 50+ making up nearly 40% of those needing shelter” [3].

This demographic trend underscores the urgent need for more housing that meets the needs of older adults. High housing costs, inaccessible home designs, and disrepair are just a few of the challenges that can reduce physical safety, increase isolation, and prevent older adults from aging in place surrounded by their support networks [2]. Older adults know this and are not passive recipients of housing solutions; they are active participants in the effort to solve California’s housing crisis.

Over the past nine years, AARP and its members have advocated for impactful legislative solutions that increase housing stock and affordability. This year, AARP volunteers and members played a key role in the passage of AB 609 and SB 607 through legislative meetings, emails and calls to representatives, letters of support, and more.

The passage of AB 609 and SB 607 will create meaningful changes by increasing housing stock and addressing affordability, therefore helping to make California more livable for all ages. AARP and its members will continue to advocate for housing solutions that make our state a great place to live, work, play and age in place.

Michael Murray
AARP California State Director


References
[1]https://calmatters.org/commentary/2025/06/ceqa-environmental-law-reform/
[2] https://states.aarp.org/california/theaarpcalisteningreport
[3] The Rise of Homelessness Among California's Older Adults - California Budget & Policy Center