Voters across the country will cast a ballot on more than 50 housing-related measures in the upcoming midterm elections. These measures cover both local and statewide levels, responding to growing concerns about escalating housing costs, an aging population, and tenant protections across the country.
Property Tax Relief Dominates the Ballot
Property tax relief measures are the most frequent, with Alabama leading the way. The state has 11 local proposals focused on freezing assessed home values for senior residents. If approved, these exemptions would create senior citizen property tax exemptions that freeze the assessed value of a home the year the exemption is claimed. Other states have similar proposals, though Alabama’s volume distinguishes it.
Voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would increase the state’s homestead tax exemption in 2027 to $150,000 of a property’s assessed value, and $250,000 in 2028. Newer residents would get a smaller exemption. The amendment requires the approval of 60 percent of voters to pass, and, if it did, it could save each homeowner an average of about $1,800 by 2028, according to a Morningstar report.
Louisiana’s Constitutional Amendment 6 would expand property tax breaks for seniors, gradually increasing the exempted home value with age: $135,000 for those aged 65–68 and $195,000 for residents aged 69–72. This aligns with broader efforts in states where aging populations struggle with housing expenses.
Billions in Housing Bonds Proposed Nationwide
California tops the list with the largest financial request: Proposition 1 would authorize $11.25 billion in bonds for affordable rental housing, homeownership assistance, and veteran-specific programs. More than $1 billion will be devoted to homeownership assistance for veterans and their families.
California’s Proposition 37 would give the California Housing Finance Agency authority to borrow up to $25 billion to provide loans for downpayment assistance on newly constructed houses and condos. The loans would pay as much as 17 percent of a downpayment, leaving buyers responsible for 3 percent. Buyers earning up to 200 percent of area median income are eligible for assistance.
Other states are also seeking significant funding. Boulder’s Issue 2J would impose an annual tax of $4,000–$7,000 on homes occupied for 183 days or fewer per year. The tax would increase with inflation, up to $7,000. The city estimates it would generate $6 million annually for general city services, including police and fire protection, parks, and transportation.
California’s Proposition 45 would streamline environmental reviews for housing projects, with supporters arguing it would reduce construction costs and opponents warning it could weaken community protections against poorly planned developments.
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Tenant Protections Spread Across the Country
Tenant protections appear in multiple cities, with Santa Monica taking a leading role. Three local measures there would cap rent increases, expand eviction protections, and require landlords to provide relocation assistance. Similar proposals exist in Akron, Ohio; Redwood City, California; and San Pablo, California, where Measure S would limit annual rent increases to 3 percent and implement just-cause eviction protections for tenants.
Los Angeles’s Proposition C would increase investments in the city’s Housing Trust Fund, which currently provides $52 million a year for affordable housing construction.
Oakland’s Measure FF would extend the city’s existing real estate transfer tax to include foreclosure sales, which are currently exempt. The measure is intended to discourage lenders from foreclosing.
Berkeley’s Measure X would change Berkeley’s existing rent control laws and expand rights for tenants unions, including making it easier to organize in buildings with few units.
Redwood City’s Measure E would limit annual rent increases to 5 percent and expand just-cause eviction protections for tenants.
Newport Beach’s Measure GG would amend the city charter to include a just-cause eviction law, increase the cap on rent control fees, and more.
Newport Beach’s Measure RR would prohibit evictions for non-payment of rent when a tenant owes less than one month of the average fair market rent.
Newport Beach’s Measure VV would extend existing city eviction protections to residents of single-unit dwellings and condominiums, as well as require that for owner-occupancy evictions from non-rent-controlled units, the owner must intend in good faith to occupy the unit within 60 days after the tenant vacates and for at least 2 years thereafter.
