Happy New Year and welcome to a busy week in the Capitol!

As you have read from news reports, Gavin Newsom took the oath of office to become California’s 40th Governor and inauguration ceremonies filled the Capitol for he and several other officials.

In his inaugural address, Governor Newsom briefly mentioned plans to “launch a Marshall Plan for affordable housing and lift up the fight against homelessness from a local matter to a state-wide mission.” The term “Marshall Plan” was often used by the Governor on the campaign trail and he has repeatedly said he will tackled the state’s affordable housing crisis with the ambitious goal of creating 3.5 million new housing units by 2025. CHC responded with enthusiasm that the inauguration is a new opportunity for bold housing solutions. We anticipate the Governor’s proposed 2019-20 State Budget, scheduled to be released tomorrow, may include more details on his plans for affordable housing.

New State Treasurer Fiona Ma, also sworn into office on Monday, announced an affordable housing listening tour, stopping in five cities – Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco – starting January 17. The public is encouraged to attend with details and a place to RSVP on her website. Ma cited Governor Newsom’s housing goal as the reason for the tour and wanting to learn how her office can help increase the supply of affordable housing statewide.

Turning to the Legislature, the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee was split into two new committees, with Sen. Scott Weiner named chair of the Senate Housing Committee and Sen. Jim Beall named chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. CHC is eager to work with Sen. Weiner on ensuring that production and preservation of affordable housing remains a top focus for committee members. The members of the new Senate Housing Committee are:

• Sen. Scott D. Wiener (D-San Francisco), Chair
• Sen. Mike Morrell (R-Inland Empire), Vice Chair
• Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Salinas)
• Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles)
• Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield)
• Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg)
• Sen. John M.W. Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa)
• Sen. Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside)
• Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley)
• Sen. Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana)
• Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont)

Just three days into a new governorship, legislative session and with a State Budget about to be released, it’s clear: 2019 is shaping up to be a busy year for housing.