Earlier this month, CCAH was invited to engage with with San José Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Matt Mahan. As a reminder, CCAH has not taken a position in the Governor’s race and will not be endorsing any candidate until after the primary election in June. Having said that, we do believe it is important to engage with candidates early, particularly those who are centered on housing and who are thinking seriously about how to remove the barriers that continue to slow or stop affordable housing in California.
Our conversation with Mayor Mahan focused on the practical realities of housing production. From entitlement delays to financing constraints to misaligned incentives across state and local government, California has no shortage of policies aimed at creating affordable housing and yet too many projects struggle to get built. That disconnect is at the heart of CCAH’s advocacy platform of clearing barriers so affordable housing can move from concept to completion.
What stood out in Mayor Mahan’s housing platform is its emphasis on outcomes. He spoke about measuring success by homes actually built, not simply programs launched or rules adopted. That focus closely aligns with CCAH’s belief that accountability and clarity in the system are essential if the state wants to meet its housing goals. Layers of requirements, duplicative reviews, and shifting rules disproportionately impact affordable housing projects that already operate with tight margins and complex financing.
We also discussed the importance of improving, rather than trying to reinvent, the tools that work. Tax credits, private activity bonds, and public‑private partnerships remain foundational to affordable housing production. Mayor Mahan acknowledged the need to reduce friction within these systems, streamline approvals, and better align state expectations with the realities faced by housing providers. Clearing barriers often means making existing systems function more efficiently, not adding new ones.
Another area of alignment was the need for government accountability. Mayor Mahan talked about the challenges housing providers face at the local and state level when things don’t work well or don’t go as planned. He pointed us to his website and the graphic we’ve included here. In candid exchanges between Mayor Mahan and our Executive Director, Jenna shared CCAH member experiences navigating CEQA delays, challenges with governmental agencies, uncertain timelines, and financing gaps. Those on‑the‑ground perspectives are vital, and we value candidates who are willing to listen and engage.
Engagement does not equal endorsement. But conversation matters, especially as the Governor’s race begins to take shape and housing remains one of California’s most urgent challenges. Clearing barriers to affordable housing requires political will, policy discipline, and an understanding of implementation.
CCAH will continue to meet with candidates from across the political spectrum who are serious about accelerating affordable housing production. Our role is to advocate for practical solutions, elevate what works, and push back on policies that slow housing down. We appreciate the opportunity to engage in thoughtful dialogue and will keep our members informed as these conversations continue.