As California’s 2025 legislative session gets underway, a dynamic political environment is shaping the state’s policy direction. With 30 new legislators entering office and new leadership taking the helm of key committees in both the Assembly and Senate, the state’s approach to critical issues—including housing, resilience, and the built environment—will be influenced by fresh perspectives and evolving priorities. Additionally, California’s legislative response to increasingly disastrous fires and shifting national policies will further define the landscape in which architects and designers operate.
At AIA California (AIA CA), we recognize the profound impact that new policies can have on the architectural profession and the communities we serve. Over the next several weeks, AIA CA will conduct a thorough review of nearly 100 bills relevant to our industry. This process will involve review by many different committees and knowledge communities across AIA California and a final vote from the AIA California Board on official positions.
Our analysis will cover a wide range of topic areas, including, but not limited to: Accessibility, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), CEQA Reform, Permit Streamlining, Adaptive Reuse, Alternative Project Delivery Methods, Resilience, Public Contracts, Housing, Historic Preservation, and Disaster Response.
A key area of focus this session will be housing policy. As detailed in the Terner Center’s 2025 California Legislative Preview, lawmakers are considering strategies to accelerate housing production, strengthen tenant protections, and refine policies to make development more efficient. These conversations will intersect with many of the issues AIA CA is tracking, including CEQA reform, permit streamlining, and adaptive reuse.
As bills progress through the legislative process, AIA CA will remain engaged, providing insights, advocacy, and expertise to help shape policies that support architects, improve the built environment, and advance California’s resilience and sustainability goals. Stay tuned for updates as we continue our legislative review and advocacy efforts throughout the session.
