Affordable Housing

Progress in dealing with California’s affordable housing crisis has been abysmal, and this is unacceptable. Here are a few actions to take now:

Comprehensive, ongoing case management is instrumental in helping California families facing the crisis of homelessness.

Listen to the new episode of the California housing crisis podcast, featuring the debate at UC Berkeley over enrollment and environmental law.

A new study says that California has sent rent relief to only 16% of applicants, who are waiting months. The state disputes the analysis, but according to its figures, only 41% of applicants have been paid.

Volunteers fanned out across the state for the first statewide count of California’s homeless population since 2020. The number is expected to be higher, raising more questions about the impact of the state's increased spending.

Ongoing funding from the state is needed to support housing production, subsidize affordable housing and invest in supportive infrastructure.

A broad coalition is backing a tenant protection bill in the California Legislature, but business and real estate interests are winning so far. The proposal would require landlords to keep units for at least five years before using a state law to evict renters. Supporters say it would help preserve affordable housing amid a historic shortage.

A more effective approach to homelessness is to provide housing that is accompanied by active, ongoing support and treatment.

In the latest episode of the California housing crisis podcast, new Assembly Housing Committee chairperson Buffy Wicks talks about her priorities.

Listen to the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast," on a Los Angeles Times investigation on how new freeways continue to disproportionately impact Black and Latino neighborhoods.