Assemblyman Josh Hoover. Courtesy photo

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On April 22 the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development approved Assembly Bill 2415 authored by Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom), which would provide flexibility under state housing law and protect locally designated historic districts such as Historic Folsom. It passed unanimously with a 12-0 vote.

“Many new laws have been passed in recent years to address California’s housing crisis by increasing supply and bringing down costs,” Assemblyman Hoover said. “While these are important efforts, it is also critical that we promote responsible growth and respect the history and culture of our state’s diverse communities. AB 2415 strikes this balance by allowing local governments like the City of Folsom to preserve the character of their historic districts.”

Historic districts like Historic Folsom are compact, irreplaceable community assets with architectural, cultural and economic significance. They contribute to local identity, tourism and small business vitality.

“Folsom is fully committed to meeting our share of California’s housing needs. We have a long record of approving and building housing at all income levels and strongly support higher density development in areas near jobs, services, and transit. At the same time, we have a responsibility to protect our nearly 180-year-old Folsom Historic District – our cities cultural heart and one of the most significant historic assets in the Sacramento region,” stated Folsom City Councilmember Mike Kozlowski in support of the bill.

The bill will now move to the Assembly Local Government Committee for consideration before heading to a vote by the full State Assembly. 

Assemblyman Josh Hoover represents the 7th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova and the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale, and Rosemont.