On Wednesday April 29th, 2025, Jenna Abbott, Executive Director of the California Council for Affordable Housing (CCAH), participated in a pivotal panel discussion at the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association (NH&RA) Spring Developers Forum in Marina del Rey. The panel, entitled From Sacramento to Capitol Hill: State and Federal Policy Updates, was moderated by Kaitlyn Snyder from NH&RA. Additional panelists were Marina Wiant from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC) and California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC), and Rebecca Franklin from the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Wiant and Franklin talked about the latest updates to programs at their respective agencies while Snyder informed attendees about happenings around Federal policy making.
Abbott’s presentation centered on the 2025-26 California legislative session, the changing composition of the legislature, the proposed bills that could impact affordable housing and Governor Newsom’s proposed reorganization of Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH). After providing insights into bills aimed at streamlining development processes, enhancing financing mechanisms, and addressing regulatory challenges, Abbott talked about bills that CCAH is taking specific positions on with her analysis highlighting the potential implications of these legislative efforts on housing production and affordability across the state. Finally, she gave attendees an update on the proposal by Governor Gavin Newsom reorganizing and creating two new agencies from what is currently the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. The reorg proposes the two new agencies to be named California Housing and Homelessness Agency (CHHA) and the Business and Consumer Services Agency (BCSA).
The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration among state agencies and stakeholders in advancing affordable housing initiatives. Abbott emphasized the need for continued advocacy and informed policymaking to meet California’s housing needs.
For more information on CCAH’s initiatives and upcoming events or a copy of Jenna Abbott’s presentation, visit their official website at californiacouncil.org or contact us at CCAH@californiacouncil.org.