CalChamber Issues Statement on Proposition 45

For Immediate Release
Contact: John Myers
john.myers@calchamber.com | press@calchamber.com

(Nov. 7, 2026) Sacramento, CA – The California Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement from President & CEO Jennifer Barrera on the failed passage of Proposition 45, the Building an Affordable California Act:

"Almost two years ago, we launched this campaign with a single goal in mind: to cut through the bureaucracy that makes it too expensive and too time-consuming to build the essentials that California needs — an outdated system made worse by special interest groups that profit from weaponizing a 56-year-old law meant to protect California’s world famous environment.

“We drafted Proposition 45 with full knowledge that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, that the defenders of the broken status quo would do anything — and say anything — to protect their exclusive leverage over the permitting process for housing, clean energy, water, and public works.

“Our diverse and vocal coalition didn't back down, working tirelessly to convince millions of California voters to take a stand against our state's affordability crisis.

“This election has come to an end, but the journey is far from over. There's simply no path forward that doesn't begin with establishing clear and consistent rules for building the essentials of a prosperous future. We will continue to advocate for reform that's both comprehensive and consequential, and we will hold elected officials accountable for whether they take action that makes a difference.

"Simply put, we're committed to California's success, which includes making everyday life more affordable.”