SB 4 Opens the Door for Mission

A significant milestone has been achieved in one of the mission-driven programs of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) with California Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) enactment. This legislation significantly boosts the ambitious vision of the Mission Real Estate Task Force, opening new doors of opportunity for EDSD to address the housing crisis in the region while enhancing its commitment to community service. 

Bishop Susan Brown Snook’s visionary creation of the Mission Real Estate Task Force laid the foundation for this momentous occasion. The task force’s primary mission is to assist congregations within the diocese in utilizing their underutilized properties for mission-driven purposes, such as addressing the local housing shortage. 

The new law empowers nonprofit higher education institutions and faith-based organizations, including those affiliated with EDSD, to develop 100% affordable housing projects with streamlined approval processes. This “by right” designation allows them to bypass the lengthy, costly, and often uncertain reviews imposed by local governments, significantly simplifying the process of effecting positive change through affordable housing. 

The potential impact of SB 4 is substantial. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation estimate that the law has the potential to unlock more than 171,000 acres of land owned by nonprofit colleges and faith-based organizations in California, representing a vast resource for affordable housing development. 

Addressing the housing crisis in California is a multifaceted challenge requiring innovative solutions. SB 4 serves as a beacon of hope, empowering the churches of EDSD to utilize their land for the betterment of individuals and families facing difficulties in securing affordable housing. As this law takes effect, the Mission Real Estate initiatives of EDSD are positioned to be a significant force for good in our community, offering hope to those in need. 

To learn more about the work of EDSD’s Mission Real Estate Task Force, please visit: edsd.org/missionrealestate/