Earlier this month, CHC had the privilege of co-hosting the gubernatorial candidates during a forumat the Housing California conference in Sacramento. The strength of the affordable housing community was evident when all six candidates who are vying to be our next state leader showed up to be asked about their plans to build affordable homes for veterans, struggling families and seniors.
To be certain, the housing crisis has become an issue that can’t be ignored. Still, not that long ago, candidates and elected officials rarely said the words “affordable housing” in speeches or public appearances, much less discussed detailed plans for building homes or reducing homelessness.
As I look ahead to CHC’s signature event in just over a month where we acknowledge champions in our field who have made a substantial contribution toward advancing affordable housing throughout California, I am reminded that our community is stronger than ever, and our message is being heard loud and clear. We must all work together to build affordable homes that lift Californians out of poverty and strengthen communities. State leaders, local government, federal policymakers, affordable housing developers – we all have a role.
The Policy Forum & Housing Hall of Fame Awards on May 11 honors our piece of the puzzle. It’s also an opportunity to hear from national and state leaders. On the federal side, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo will be our keynote speaker. Crapo of Idaho was first elected to the Senate in 1998 and is currently the Chair of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. He has been a fervent supporter of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and helped us get a major win just last week when provisions of the Cantwell-Hatch bill (S. 548) were enacted through the Omnibus bill. On the state side, we will have the opportunity to hear from and honor two strong housing leaders who played critical roles in our legislative victories last year and will be champions of our housing bond campaign this year, Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Chair, David Chiu, and Assemblyman Richard Bloom.
Last year, more than 300 people gathered for the Forum in Santa Monica. I hope you will be among the hundreds to join us this year.
Sincerely,
Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director
