A Message from The Executive Director on A Milestone Moment for Affordable Housing – and Exciting Things Ahead in San Diego

I will lead with the headline: SB 686 is officially headed to the Governor’s desk for signature! You may remember that most of the language that we had drafted to allow for the early payout of HCD loans was picked up by the Governor’s team and passed as part of AB 130 earlier this year. This last little bit of language, included in SB 686, clarifies some definitions making the intent of the new statute clear. While we still need a signature from Governor Newsom, we are thrilled about where we are at this point. We would like to extend a huge thanks to the author of this legislation, Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, our cosponsors, the California Housing Consortium, and of course, our strong partners at the department of Housing and Community Development.

This is a major victory for affordable housing development across California. SB 686 represents years of collaboration, advocacy, and persistence from housing professionals, community leaders, and lawmakers who know that addressing California’s housing crisis requires meaningful, forward-thinking policy. Allowing the early payout of HCD loans not only creates additional funding for developers, it also restocks the coffers at HCD. Proceeds from these payouts can then be loaned out on new projects, spurring more development of affordable housing. CCAH has been proud to play a role in shaping and championing this legislation and we are optimistic that the Governor’s signature will soon turn this bill into law – helping us expand and protect affordable housing opportunities for Californians who need them most

Our momentum doesn’t stop here. CCAH’s Annual Conference is right around the corner, taking place November 7–9 at Paradise Point Resort and Conference center in beautiful San Diego. This year’s conference will be packed with timely sessions, networking opportunities, and expert insights that will help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving housing landscape.

One of the most exciting features of this year’s event is our Affordable Housing Property Tours on the final day of the conference. These tours will give attendees a firsthand look at some of San Diego’s most innovative and impactful affordable housing developments  – projects that are setting the bar for what’s possible across California. You can view the full list of projects and register for tours now here. Spots are limited, so secure yours early! 

If you’ve been thinking about joining CCAH, now is the perfect time. Anyone who joins us between now and December 31 will have their membership extended through the end of 2026.

This special offer gives you access to our advocacy updates, policy insights, industry networking, and member-only resources – all at today’s membership rates.  Please click here to visit our website and find out which membership level your company would fit into.

With SB 686 on its way to becoming law, our San Diego conference on the horizon, and this incredible membership offer, there has never been a better time to be part of CCAH.

📅 Register for the conference.

🏘 Sign up for a Property Tour.

🤝 Join CCAH and secure your membership through 2026.

Together, we can keep building the policies, partnerships, and communities that will solve California’s housing crisis.

I can’t wait to see you in San Diego this November!

Jenna Abbott, Executive Director

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.