Effective January 1, 2025, CCAH was delighted to welcome Steven Stenzler, Gregory Hayes, and Alex Torres with Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck (Brownstein) as our new contract lobby team. With our mission to create as much affordable housing as possible for Californians, we made the choice to engage Brownstein based on their experience and quality work in the housing space.
Founded in Denver over 50 years ago the Brownstein team has grown to become one of the top lobbying and law firms in the nation, employing over 300 policy professionals and attorneys located in 12 different offices across the country, four of which are in California. With a top-ranked federal government relations practice based in Washington, D.C., we knew this seasoned firm was the right answer to help CCAH craft and implement policy to help us and our membership succeed.
There is no doubt that the affordable housing ecosystem currently faces threats from all sides: increased costs due to labor requirements, uncertainty caused by local opposition and environmental lawsuits, budgetary constraints stemming from the state’s fiscal condition, and the potential for disruption of federal funding and programs. Working with Brownstein, we will seek to turn these challenges into opportunities for increased engagement and connectivity with the legislature, governor’s administration, and coalition partners through consistent and strategic advocacy.
During the interview process, the team at Brownstein proudly pointed out that they have been involved with every major housing bill passed in the last several years. Their bona fides include deep relationships with key legislators and legislative staff, a strong network of housing and homelessness stakeholders, communications and public relations experience, and keen insight into the political dynamics that drive success in the housing world. Additionally, their Real Estate and Land Use practice has routinely negotiated and litigated, where necessary, complex housing developments, utilizing state laws such as State Density Bonus, the Surplus Land Act, and the Builder’s Remedy.
During the selection process, Brownstein’s relationships throughout the state, experience representing a variety of housing and closely aligned industry groups, and unparalleled ability to spot issues and opportunities coming from Sacramento and Washington, D.C. made them our ideal partner. We are delighted to have them aboard!