All of us who work in business and advocacy know that “partnership” is a goal often expressed but unfortunately rarely practiced. Much of the success affordable housing has had in Sacramento over the past five years can be attributed to strong collaboration between state and regional advocacy groups as well as a true partnership between CHC and Housing California. Whether it was working on the Homes and Jobs Campaign, increasing state tax credits, cap and trade or a myriad of other issues, Shamus Roller and I worked hard to put affordable housing first and our organization’s ability to claim credit second. Today is Shamus’s last day as the Executive Director of Housing California and I want to publicly thank him for his partnership over the past five years.
Shamus and I were able to find common ground through transparency and mutual respect. Where we were not able to agree, we were understanding of our organization’s need to go in a different direction. Through this partnership, we helped elevate the importance of affordable housing in the minds of our legislature and elected leaders throughout California. We also brought our organizations closer together to benefit our entire membership and the affordable housing industry as a whole.
With so much work still ahead to strengthen our industry and the low-income people and families we serve, I am hopeful that this spirit of collaboration and partnership will be a part of the legacy Shamus leaves with Housing California and our larger effort. Congratulations, Shamus, on a job well done and congratulations on your new position as the Executive Director of The National Housing Law Project.
Sincerely,
Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director
