little bit puts better definitions around some terms which will streamline the process of paying out your HCD loan prior to maturity. This is a major milestone for our legislative agenda and a testament to the power of persistence and partnership. We’ve recently spoken to our contacts at HCD who indicated the draft updated regulations are almost complete. We will keep you posted.

This legislation is the result of years of advocacy, collaboration, and coalition-building. We’re proud to co-sponsor SB 686 with the California Housing Consortium and grateful to the bill author, Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, and primary coauthor, Assemblyman Chris Ward, along with co authors Senator Tim Grayson and Senator Kelly Seyarto who recognized the wisdom of this change. We are also very grateful to the hardworking staff at HCD who were willing and solid partners as we crafted the language. Bravo!

AB 130: Progress with Room for Improvement

We also want to acknowledge the passage of AB 130, a sweeping budget trailer bill that includes many provisions beneficial to affordable housing. From CEQA streamlining to extensions of the Housing Crisis Act, AB 130 represents meaningful progress toward reducing barriers to housing production.

However, one provision in AB 130 gives us pause: the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) mitigation program. As written, the bill allows developers to mitigate transportation impacts under CEQA by contributing to a state-level Transit-Oriented Development Implementation Fund. While this may sound like a flexible option, the current language effectively mandates participation without ensuring mutual agreement between developers and lead agencies.

While more research is needed, our initial reaction is that VMT mitigation should be a voluntary strategy—not a mandatory requirement. In fact, all of the draft bill language referred to a voluntary VMT, but the final language makes this less clear, confusing the issue. We’ve joined other housing advocates in urging lawmakers to amend this provision to ensure it supports, rather than hinders, affordable housing development. We remain hopeful that this technical change can be made to strengthen AB 130 and preserve its overall benefits for our sector.

Housing Bond Stalled

We continue to be concerned about the fate of AB 736, the proposed $10 billion statewide affordable housing bond.

This bond, if passed, provides critical funding for affordable rental housing and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness—resources our communities urgently need. While we understand the Legislature faces tough decisions amid a significant budget deficit, we believe housing must remain a top priority. We urge lawmakers to revisit this proposal and find a path forward to ensure California can meet its housing goals and support those most in need.

Fall Conference: Over 60% Sold

Our upcoming Fall Conference at Paradise Point Resort in San Diego (November 5–7) is shaping up to be our biggest yet. With our last two conferences selling out early, we made sure we secured more space and a larger room block for San Diego. Tiered pricing means the earlier you decide to come, the less you pay. Registering early also helps us plan, making the conference a better experience for everyone.

With over 60% of our conference capacity already sold and, as of this morning, only eight rooms and three upgraded bungalow suites left in our expanded room block, it’s clear that our community is eager to come together, share insights, and advance solutions.

This year’s conference will feature a keynote speaker you won’t want to miss, dynamic panels, policy deep-dives, affordable housing tours, and networking opportunities designed to empower affordable housing professionals across California. If you haven’t registered yet, I encourage you to do so soon— we expect another sold-out event.

Growing CCAH for the Future

As we celebrate these wins we’re also formulating our plan for 2026 and beyond. CCAH is committed to growing our organization to better serve our members and the broader affordable rental housing ecosystem. That means expanding our advocacy capacity, increasing member engagement, and investing in new tools and resources. As part of that, we retain close ties with both the Housing Advisory Group (HAG) and the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC), both of whom are working hard for affordable housing at the Federal level. You can read an update from David Gasson from HAG here

We’re exploring ways to strengthen our regional presence, elevate member voices in policy development, and create more opportunities for professional development and collaboration. Our goal is to ensure that every member—regardless of size or location—feels supported, heard, and empowered.

As a reminder, your CCAH membership covers your entire company. If you’re not yet a member, or if you know someone who should be, now is the perfect time to join. As a sweetener, memberships purchased from now through the end of the 2025 calendar year will be active through the end of 2026. Referrals are always welcome, and we’re here to answer any questions about benefits and opportunities.

Thank You

None of this progress would be possible without you—our members, partners, sponsors, and advocates. Your commitment to affordable housing is what drives our work forward. Together, we’re building a stronger, more affordable California.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

Executive Director
California Council for Affordable Housing