Lawmakers converge on housing affordability but disagree on solutions — from rent caps to zoning and lot splitting

Housing affordability emerged as the panel’s most consistent shared priority, with lawmakers from both parties describing the shortage as central to economic and family stability and proposing an overlapping set of approaches.

"A bill to cap the rate at which rents increase at 7%, so that renters have a little bit more predictability," said House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon as he described rent stabilization measures his caucus has advanced.

Senator Petersen said the Senate will "go all in" on reducing the cost to develop housing and noted committee leadership (she cited Jessica Bateman as the incoming Senate housing committee chair) and ideas such as converting underused commercial properties into residential units, reducing parking minimums and other reforms. ‘‘There are a lot of things that are on the table,’’ Petersen said.

Senator Gildan recapped recent legislative work — including middle‑housing reforms, accessory dwelling unit and permitting changes — and argued the legislature needs to examine the Growth Management Act and available land if the state is to increase supply. "At some point in time, I think we need to have a real look at modifying the Growth Management Act," she said.

Peter Arbarno emphasized homeownership and infrastructure that enables development, saying the private sector will build the bulk of housing but that government should remove regulatory obstacles and invest in public works so communities can support new housing.

All speakers cautioned that earlier sessions captured "low‑hanging fruit" and that the next steps are harder; parking minimums, lot splitting and subdivision statute updates were flagged as potential levers to reduce the cost of construction and expand inventory.

Next steps: lawmakers said housing bills are expected in the session, with both supply‑focused and renter‑protections proposals under consideration.