Between Two Shovels Ep.7: Tim Murphy (CEO at NSBIA) - California’s Housing Crisis: Costs & Reforms

Why is housing affordability slipping further out of reach, and what can be done about it?In this episode of Between Two Shovels, Tim Murphy, President & CEO of the North State Building Industry Association, unpacks the complex mix of costs, regulations, and policies shaping California’s housing crisis. From six-figure fees to legislative reforms, this conversation offers an inside look at why home prices keep climbing and what solutions are on the table.What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why new housing faces $80K-$140K in fees before construction begins • How every $1,000 price increase prices 150,000 families out of a home • The role of CEQA reform and why it’s not a complete fix • How VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) costs could add $20K-$25K per home • Why suburban and rural housing demand is often overlooked • Creative solutions builders are using to keep homeownership attainableTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Tim Murphy’s background 00:01:31 - The Connector Project and regional infrastructure needs 00:04:40 - The real cost of housing fees: $80K–$140K per unit 00:06:07 - How the housing shortage impacts families 00:06:53 - Affordable housing vs. attainable housing 00:08:33 - What $1,400/month gets you in today’s market 00:11:28 - California’s affordability crisis spreading to other states 00:12:41 - CEQA reform and its limitations 00:17:00 - Understanding VMT costs and their impact on housing 00:21:22 - Local advocacy and managing development fees 00:23:23 - How small cost increases push families out of the market 00:25:13 - Creative solutions for attainable housing 00:26:56 - How HomeAid Sacramento supports transitional housing 00:29:16 - 88% job placement through construction training programs 00:30:27 - Creative financing and interest rate programs for buyersWatch now and join the conversation.What do you think is the single biggest barrier to housing affordability where you live?