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3 years agoon
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CalMattersWith homelessness worsening, Californians are rightly frustrated that our state, with its abundance of wealth and resources, has not made better progress in helping people get off the streets and into housing.
Housing affordability and homelessness are critical issues for my organization, the League of California Cities, and the cities we represent.
We see first-hand in our cities the struggle of families that cannot afford housing, or homeless ones who need our support. That’s why the League supports a comprehensive package of proposals to fund homeless services and to increase housing production, particularly for low- and very-low income families.
The league supported the passage of Proposition 1 in 2018, the $4 billion affordable housing bond, and Proposition 2, a $2 billion bond for supportive housing for homeless individuals.
The League of California Cities also supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposals to expedite the allocation of the housing bond funds, provide $650 million to address homelessness, and another $1 billion dedicated to increasing the availability of affordable housing tax credits and fund infill infrastructure.
The league appreciates efforts of legislative leaders to restore more robust tax increment financing mechanisms in Senate Bill 5.
Related Story: Homelessness Rose in Fresno This Year. Here's What's Being Done.
This measure would create the Affordable Housing and Community Development Program and provide cities and counties the resources we need to support affordable housing.Specifically, SB 5 would allow cities and counties to maintain property tax increment in dedicated zones where they’ve developed a state-approved plan. SB 5 also would commit $200 million in tax increment funding annually beginning in 2020. Unlike former redevelopment, state approval is required for any investment, ensuring these investments are maximized.
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