I’m thrilled to share several important updates as we continue building momentum for what promises to be a landmark year for the California Council for Affordable Housing (CCAH).
First, I am excited to announce that conference registration officially opened on February 10 for CCAH members and sponsors only. This ultra early access window was designed to ensure that our members were able to attend our conferences as our last three have sold out. Early access is one of the many benefits of membership, and we encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Not a member? Well, we’d sure love to have you.
Regular early registration opens to the broader public on March 1, but we want to be transparent—we do expect the conference to sell out. If you plan to join us for our Spring Conference at Silverado Resort in Napa, I strongly recommend registering early.
I also wanted to bring you up to date on some legislation we’re working on when it comes to changes that create an unfunded mandate to install infrastructure for EV chargers. Effective January 1, 2026 the 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) significantly increased EV charging requirements for new multifamily developments. Our concern is threefold:
- The mandate includes all multifamily buildings and there was no carve out for affordable housing.
- The mandate indicates that where assigned parking is provided, at least one low-power Level 2 receptacle must be provided at an assigned space for each dwelling unit and that EV charging receptacles for assigned spaces be connected to the respective dwelling unit’s electrical panel.
- Unassigned parking spaces are mandated to install Low Power Level 2 (208/240V, 20A) receptacles for most spaces.
All of these things add cost to a project during a time when funding is tight so we are asking the legislature for a ten year delay on the mandate for 100% affordable housing developments.
The intention behind this effort is not to reject environmental stewardship. Our members recognize the critical importance of sustainable building practices. However, in the current funding environment—already stretched thin by rising construction costs, financing gaps, and limited subsidy sources—requiring comprehensive EV infrastructure installation at this moment places an unrealistic and unnecessary financial burden on affordable projects that will render far too many infeasible. A decade-long extension for affordable housing gives us time to sort out priorities and we look forward to working with legislators, partners, and allied organizations to advance this practical, solution-oriented approach.
Finally, I’m pleased to share that our letter to HCD outlining our concerns about the proposed implementation guidelines for AB 130 and SB 686 was effective. HCD has alerted us that they received our letter, and the letters of other organizations who shared our concerns, and they are reviewing the guidelines again. They will be opening a further comment period once they make amendments and we will be sure to share a link with you when that happens. A full copy of our comment letter can be found here.
In partnership and growth,
Executive Director, California Council for Affordable Housing