CEQA, The Sequel: What California’s Revised Law Means for Housing in Napa Valley

California’s Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was created more than 50 years ago to make sure government projects considered their environmental impacts. 

Since then, its reach has expanded to cover nearly any project that requires a public decision. The result? A powerful tool often used by housing opponents to slow projects with costly, time-consuming reviews. 

This summer, new CEQA reforms took effect—aimed at easing some of the barriers to building housing. But what’s really changed, and how could it affect communities like Napa? 

Hear from Sarah Karlinsky, Director of Research and Policy at UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation. She’ll unpack CEQA’s history, how it shaped housing development, and what the latest reforms could mean for our region. 

When: Thursday October 16, 2025 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM)
Where: Hatt Hall at Napa River Inn
RSVP: Below 

This event is free and open to the public and hosted by Napa Valley Community Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.  

About our Speaker  

Sarah Karlinsky is Director of Research and Policy at UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation, where she leads the center’s research agenda. She previously worked at SPUR, a leading Bay Area urban policy think tank, and with MidPen Housing, one of the region’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developers. Sarah has written extensively on housing governance, affordability, and resilience. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Urban Planning from Harvard Kennedy School and a BA in history from Columbia University. 

About NVCF’s Common Ground: Civic Learning Series

Common Ground is Napa Valley Community Foundation’s reimagined Town Hall series—new name, same mission. We host three to four events each year, creating space for thoughtful, nonpartisan conversations about issues that shape the Napa Valley. Each gathering features experts who break down complex topics and invite open dialogue—helping us learn, connect, and find common ground. 

We hope you will join us for this conversation. Please RSVP below.