This week’s leadership change in the State Capitol is felt personally by many of us in the affordable housing community. Monday, our longtime housing champion Speaker Toni Aktins handed the reins over to a new Assembly Speaker, Anthony Rendon (D- Paramount).
While term limits restricted her stint as Speaker to less than two years, Ms. Atkins made a meaningful impact in her leadership role by spotlighting housing insecurity, advancing the dialogue over a permanent funding source, and securing landmark cap and trade investments for affordable homes that reduce greenhouse gases. On behalf of CHC, I am grateful for Ms. Atkins’ service as Speaker and the decades she’s dedicated to championing housing solutions. We look forward to continuing to work with her to expand affordable housing opportunities as she finishes her term in the Assembly and, hopefully, returns to the State Capitol as a Senator this fall.
California’s affordable home builders are encouraged that Speaker Rendon has made a public commitment to tackle the interrelated challenges of poverty and housing affordability. The new Speaker and projected multi-billion budget surplus afford housing advocates new opportunities to push for bold, strategic investments in proven, affordable housing programs. We are also keenly aware that Governor Brown and legislators face many competing interests seeking attention to the state’s many challenges.
As CHC members pack your bags for our annual lobby day next week, remember that the most valuable thing you bring to Sacramento is your track record of success in in deploying state financing to build affordable homes that move Californians out of poverty, create jobs, and enhance our economic competitiveness. I look forward to seeing you in the Capital City and sharing your success stories with California’s leaders.
Sincerely,
Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director
