The Board of Equalization on June 18 approved an informational hearing on modular, factory‑built and other alternative housing approaches for July 29, 2025, aimed at speeding post‑disaster rebuilding and reducing construction costs.

Chairman Gaines said faster, lower‑cost construction could help communities recover after major California wildfires and that modular approaches “can be assembled quickly and at a discount of conventional construction.” Member Tony Vasquez proposed scheduling the informational hearing and listed data on destroyed parcels and pending rebuilding permits in fire‑affected communities.

Vasquez asked staff to invite industry, labor and government witnesses; Vice Chair Sally Lieber urged including a representative of the state building trades to discuss prevailing wages and apprenticeship pathways. Executive Director Yvette Stowers confirmed the board can accommodate a morning session on July 29 and said a CAL FIRE captain will present in the afternoon on wildfire preparedness and defensible space.

Industry participants signed up for public comment during the meeting. Susie Wong of Remo Homes, a California‑based prefabricated housing company, called for a public forum to bring together state and local officials, unions and manufacturers. “Our company has tapped into the best minds to bring advanced technology driven resilient and innovative housing solutions to California,” Wong said on the record.

The board approved a motion to reserve two to three hours on the morning of July 29 for the informational hearing and to invite building trades and other stakeholders. Members asked staff to set time limits per presenter to keep the hearing within the allocated slot.

The hearing will be posted on the board's public calendar. Staff said they will circulate an agenda and witness list in advance and confirm participation with CAL FIRE, the building trades and modular housing manufacturers.