Industry Insight — February 2025

Affordable Housing News...

NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

"We are improving how we tell our story - showcasing CHC members’ ongoing efforts to build tens of thousands of affordable homes, as well as the enormous need to do more to help workers and families find a safe, affordable place to live."

I wanted to take the opportunity in this month’s newsletter to celebrate something new and exciting at CHC: An organizational rebrand, which includes a dynamic new website designed to help policy influencers better understand the critical work we do—while highlighting how all of our recent successes are helping improve the lives of the Californians we serve.

There is no shortage of uncertainty swirling in the policy world at the moment, and we certainly know there are many years of hard work ahead to rebuild communities in Los Angeles. Our staff remains committed to these and other important issues, and you can find more detail below on how we’re engaging at the state and federal levels to support California affordable housing providers.

Our new, more modern communications platform is one important way we are improving how we tell our story—showcasing CHC members’ ongoing efforts to build tens of thousands of affordable homes, as well as the enormous need to do more to help workers and families find a safe, affordable place to live.

Especially with a large new group of freshman lawmakers settling into their new jobs in Sacramento, our goal with this branding “refresh” is to ensure CHC communications reflect our role as a trusted partner to policymakers, committed to developing policies that provide steady, ongoing funding for affordable housing, while making it easier and more cost-effective to build all of the affordable housing California needs.

I encourage you to take a tour of the website here—and to let us know if you see additional opportunities to improve how we are communicating the essential work we do.

We are proud, as always, to be your partner.

Sincerely,

Ray Pearl

In Case You Missed It

Senate & Assembly News

Senate and Assembly leadership recently announced new chair appointments and committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas’ announcement is available here. Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire’s announcement is available here. Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley) is now the chair of Senate Housing Committee, and Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) is now the chair of Assembly Housing Committee.

2025-26 Budget

Governor Newsom recently released his January budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The Governor’s proposed spending plan lacks investments in affordable housing and homelessness programs. CHC joined a coalition of housing advocates in a joint press release in response to the absence of funding for critical programs needed to address the state’s housing crisis.

Wildfire Recovery Funding

Governor Newsom expanded the special session he convened in November to prepare for the incoming federal Administration to also include wildfire response and recovery efforts in Los Angeles. The Legislature passed legislation to provide $2.5 billion in funding to help affected communities recover and rebuild.

2026 Housing Bond

CHC is pleased to be working with several partners this year to reintroduce a $10 billion housing bond to support critical affordable housing programs. We are also co-sponsoring the reintroduction of a measure that would authorize the early pay-off of HCD loans to unlock funding that could be redeployed for affordable housing purposes.

NEW YEAR NEW FACES

Rebecca Louie

President & CEO,

Wakeland Housing & Development Corp

Tiena Johnson Hall

General Manager,

Los Angeles Housing Department

Chris Neale

President,

The Core Companies

Michael Ruane

President,

National CORE

As we step into 2025, we are excited to announce some important updates to our Board of Directors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michael Gaber as he terms off the Board and thank him for his incredible dedication and years of service.

We are thrilled to welcome four new members to our Board of Directors!

Their industry expertise will be invaluable to CHC's efforts in the coming years. We look forward to an exciting future with our new and continuing board members.