Housing headaches

Chico’s housing market, tight before the Camp Fire and virtually impenetrable since, has affordability on the minds of many in the North State. Turns out the topic has risen to the forefront across the Golden State. According to survey results released last week by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 68 percent of adult residents statewide consider housing affordability in their area to be a big problem, 21 percent somewhat of a problem. Nearly half, 47 percent, said housing costs make them consider moving to another region or state. Just two months earlier, after newly inaugurated Gov. Gavin Newsom released his budget plan, PPIC respondents listed housing as the fourth-highest priority for state government—behind immigration, education and jobs/economy. Also in the latest poll, which surveyed 1,706 people by phone, 72 percent support Newsom’s proposed $1.8 billion one-time spending on low- and moderate-income housing.