Voters Strengthen Affordable Housing and Homelessness Initiatives through Ballot Measures on Election Day 2025!

By Tia Turner, NLIHC Project Manager, Our Homes, Our Votes 

Several key affordable housing and homelessness-related ballot measures were approved by voters during the November 4, 2025, elections. This year’s off-cycle elections featured pivotal local and state measures designed to accelerate affordable housing production, expand renter protections, and dedicate new funding toward homelessness solutions. Below is a summary of the measures that passed across the five states that held elections.  

• In New York City, voters approved multiple ballot proposals to streamline and modernize housing development processes. Proposal 2 established a fast-track zoning process for affordable housing in underdeveloped areas, while Proposal 3 created a simplified land-use review system to accelerate modest zoning changes. Proposal 4 replaced the mayoral veto in the housing approval process with an Affordable Housing Appeals Board, reducing bureaucratic barriers. Proposal 5 authorized the city to modernize its official map into a digital format, improving transparency and coordination for housing and infrastructure projects. Collectively, these reforms are expected to expedite affordable housing approvals and production across the city.
• In Washington State, two citizen-led initiatives intended to strengthen tenants’ rights in Bellingham and Ferndale appear poised to pass. Voters in Whatcom County showed overwhelming support, with early results showing over 72% approval. Bellingham voters overwhelmingly supported Initiative 25-03, affirming tenants rights to organize, register voters, and engage in advocacy without fear of retaliation from landlords. Meanwhile, Ferndale voters approved Initiative 25-01, which limits rental “junk fees” and increases transparency in fee disclosures. Together, these measures mark a significant expansion of tenant rights and protections in Washington.
• In California, early results from Santa Cruz show that Measure C – the “Workforce Housing Affordability Act” – is on track to pass. The measure adds new local taxes to fund affordable housing development and homelessness services, creating a dedicated revenue stream for future investments. It focuses on preserving and expanding affordable rental units, with set-asides for supportive housing and emergency shelters. 
• While some proposed measures in Colorado and Montana failed to pass, the results from New York, Washington, and California represent a strong public mandate for advancing housing and homelessness solutions through local ballot initiatives. These victories underscore growing bipartisan recognition of the housing crisis and the importance of giving local governments the tools to respond effectively. 

Organizers who are working on ballot measure campaigns for upcoming elections in 2026, or are considering ballot measures for future election cycles, will find guidance and tools from NLIHC’s nonpartisan Our Homes, Our Votes campaign. Our Homes, Our Votes (OHOV) aims to boost voter turnout among low-income renters and elevate housing as an election issue. 

For OHOV resources on ballot measures, visit here.  

For a summarization of nearly 100 state and local ballot measures addressing affordable housing and homelessness that were voted upon in the November 2024 elections, visit here.  

For more information, contact Tia Turner, NLIHC Project Manager, Our Homes, Our Votes at [email protected]