For Immediate Release
The California Council for Affordable Housing (CCAH) is proud to announce its new designation as the California State Affiliate with the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH). Effective immediately, CCAH will join CARH as the voice of California’s rural housing community at the national table.
“Rural communities in California face distinct challenges in accessing affordable housing, including limited infrastructure, lower population densities, and fewer financial resources.” said Jenna Abbott, CCAH Executive Director. “The announcement on April 30, 2025 by Governor Newsom allocating $118.9 million in federal funds to enhance affordable housing in rural areas underscores the critical need for targeted solutions in these regions, making the creation of this partnership even more timely. We couldn’t be more pleased to join CARH as the California State Affiliate.”
CCAH and CARH serve complementary populations, and the entities share a commitment to providing affordable rental housing solutions for low- and moderate-income families. The partnership between the two organizations strengthens their collective voice in advocating for affordable housing solutions that address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, allows them to share resources, best practices, and policy insights, enhancing the ability of each entity to serve their member populations effectively.
“We are thrilled to welcome the California Council for Affordable Housing as our newest State Affiliate.” Said Colleen Fisher, Executive Director of CARH. “With California now representing the fourth largest economy in the world, it is essential that the unique challenges and opportunities facing affordable and rural housing providers in the state are represented at the national level. CCAH’s deep expertise and leadership will add to CARH’s collective voice as we work to ensure affordable housing thrives in every corner of America — from the most remote rural towns to dynamic economic hubs like California.”
CCAH remains committed to its mission of facilitating the development and expansion of affordable rental housing throughout California. The affiliation with CARH provides valuable resources to members and will help CCAH drive meaningful change in the housing landscape both at the state and federal level. “Joining CARH as the State Affiliate is an exciting “tip of the hat” to our roots as the Rural Housing Coalition,” said Abbott. “We are delighted to bring California’s voice to the CARH table.”
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About CCAH
Originally formed in 1978 as the Rural Housing Coalition, the organization was reformed in 1998 as the California Council for Affordable Housing (CCAH) to serve a broader base. CCAH members include developers, property managers, housing authorities, syndicators, accountants, architects, attorneys, bankers, and companies that supply goods and services to the industry. Since its inception, CCAH has been at the forefront of helping our members navigate the complex world of affordable housing finance and legislation. Our mission is to facilitate collaboration between public and private sectors, ensuring the availability of quality, affordable homes for Californians who need them most.
For more information about CCAH and our initiatives, please visit californiacouncil.org.
