By Brandon Hodge, CCAH Political Action Committee Chair
When Lincoln Avenue Communities decided to get more deeply involved with the California Council for Affordable Housing (CCAH), it became clear to me that if we want to make real progress on housing, we must engage where policy decisions are made. That’s what drew me to the CCAH Political Action Committee (CCAH PAC). Affordable housing policy doesn’t just shape our work, it articulates our priorities and defines what’s possible. From tax credits and funding allocations to zoning laws and regulatory requirements, the policy environment determines where and whether housing gets built or if it stalls. The PAC is one of the most effective tools we have to influence that environment by supporting candidates who understand the complexity of our work and are committed to solutions.
One notable example of the importance of engagement took place during the CCAH Spring Conference in Napa. On Monday June 8th, CCAH PAC was pleased to host a political event for California State Controller, Malia Cohen. Not only did we raise significant support for her campaign, but we also created a meaningful forum for real dialogue. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Controller Cohen, asking questions, sharing on-the-ground experiences, and talking candidly about what it takes to move affordable housing projects from concept to completion. It wasn’t just a fundraiser; it was a working conversation about the barriers our industry faces and the solutions needed to overcome them. That kind of exchange is exactly what makes the PAC so valuable. It connects decision-makers with the practical realities of our work, leading to better understanding and, ultimately, better policy.
Too often, policymakers want to help address the housing crisis but don’t fully grasp the practical challenges developers, owners, and service providers face every day. Things like layered financing, rising construction costs, environmental review timelines, and local opposition all combine to make it more difficult to deliver the affordable housing communities need. The PAC allows us to identify and support leaders who not only care about housing, but also understand the ecosystem required to make affordable housing feasible and successful in the long-term. That understanding is critical. When elected officials “get it,” we see practical, workable policy, functional programs that are funded, timelines that are realistic, and regulations that remove barriers rather than create them. When they don’t understand, even well-intentioned policies can have catastrophic consequences that slow production or limit access.
A well-funded PAC driven by knowledgeable leaders helps bridge that gap. By pooling resources, we can support candidates early, build relationships over time, and help ensure that knowledgeable housing champions are elected and re-elected. That sustained engagement translates into better conversations, more informed decision-making, and ultimately, more housing. Just as important, the PAC gives our industry a consistent, credible presence in the political process. It signals that affordable housing professionals are organized, engaged, and serious about partnering on solutions. That credibility matters when policy decisions are being debated and negotiated.
Getting involved in the PAC is both meaningful and accessible. Financial contributions are essential as they allow us to support candidates who align with our mission and priorities. Every contribution, at any level, strengthens our collective impact. And participation goes beyond financial support. Attending PAC events and fundraisers is one of the most valuable ways to engage directly with policymakers and candidates. These settings create opportunities to share real-world perspectives, build relationships, and elevate the issues that matter most to our communities. They also help expand our network by bringing colleagues, partners, and new voices into the effort.
Engaging with our PAC is not limited to CCAH members. We welcome involvement from across the affordable housing community and beyond. Solving California’s housing crisis requires a broad coalition, and the PAC is a powerful way to bring people together around shared goals. At the end of the day, if we want better housing outcomes, we need better policy and that starts with electing leaders who understand what it takes to deliver affordable housing at scale.
I encourage you to get involved. Join CCAH, support the PAC, attend an event, and be part of the effort to shape policies that work in the real world. Together, we can ensure that affordable housing remains a priority and that the leaders making decisions have the insight and commitment to get it right.