Campbell Townhouses Showcase New Housing Bill's Impact

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, March 20th 2026 at 11:36 GMT by ABC7 San Francisco
      Locale: UNITED STATES

CAMPBELL, Calif. - March 20th, 2026 - The completion of six new townhouses in Campbell represents more than just a small addition to the city's housing stock. It's a concrete example of how state legislation, specifically Senate Bill 684, is beginning to tackle California's persistent housing crisis and offer a pathway to homeownership for first-time buyers. These townhouses, situated in the heart of Campbell, are the first fruits of a statewide effort aimed at easing financial burdens and increasing access to the housing market.

California has long struggled with a significant housing shortage, driving up prices and making it increasingly difficult for residents, particularly first-time homebuyers, to achieve the dream of owning a home. The current median home price in the state remains stubbornly high, despite recent dips in some areas, while rental costs continue to strain household budgets. SB 684, signed into law by Governor Newsom last year, attempts to address this challenge by allocating billions of dollars to a variety of affordable housing programs, with a strong emphasis on direct financial assistance to potential homeowners.

The Campbell project exemplifies the practical application of this legislation. The six newly constructed townhouses are specifically earmarked for qualified first-time buyers, and will be offered at below-market rates. This is crucial, as the rising cost of homes often isn't simply about the overall price tag, but the significant upfront costs associated with down payments and closing expenses. SB 684 directly addresses these hurdles by providing financial assistance to cover these often-prohibitive expenses.

"This is something we've been working on for a long time," stated Campbell Mayor Gareth Williams. "We know how difficult it can be for first-time homebuyers to get started, and we're excited to provide them with this opportunity." Mayor Williams highlighted the collaborative effort between the city, developers, and state agencies that made the project a reality, emphasizing the importance of local implementation to maximize the impact of state-level initiatives.

While six townhouses may seem like a modest contribution to the overall need, experts believe projects like this are vital in setting a precedent and demonstrating the effectiveness of the SB 684 model. The bill doesn't rely solely on new construction; it also supports rehabilitation programs, down payment assistance for existing homes, and initiatives aimed at increasing housing density.

Across the state, similar projects are beginning to take shape. Cities from San Diego to Sacramento are utilizing SB 684 funds to launch their own first-time homebuyer programs, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of their local communities. In Los Angeles, a larger-scale initiative is underway to build hundreds of affordable townhouses and condominiums, prioritizing veterans and essential workers. In the Bay Area, where housing costs are particularly acute, several cities are experimenting with innovative financing models, such as shared equity programs, to make homeownership more accessible.

The long-term success of SB 684 hinges on several factors. Continued funding is essential, as the allocated billions are expected to be deployed over several years. Furthermore, streamlining the application process for assistance programs is crucial to ensure that eligible buyers can easily access the funds they need. Addressing bureaucratic hurdles and reducing processing times will be key to maximizing the bill's impact. Finally, sustained efforts to increase the overall housing supply are needed to address the root cause of the crisis. SB 684, while important, is only one piece of the puzzle.

The townhouses in Campbell are expected to become available for purchase in the coming months. The city is currently finalizing the eligibility criteria and application process. Interested buyers are encouraged to monitor the Campbell city website for updates and details on how to apply. This project, and others like it across the state, offer a glimmer of hope for aspiring homeowners in a challenging market, proving that with targeted legislation and collaborative effort, the dream of homeownership can remain within reach.