Lawmakers Endorse Finding a Permanent Home in the State Budget for Homelessness Programs and Affordable Housing

SACRAMENTO, California, May 26 (TNScapv)(TNSgov) -- The League of California Cities issued the following news release on May 25, 2023:

More than two dozen state lawmakers are calling on the Assembly and Senate budget committees to include a permanent funding stream of $3 billion annually in the state budget to help cities tackle two of the state's top priorities, increasing the supply of affordable housing and reducing and preventing homelessness.

The bipartisan group of Assembly Members and Senators signed on to a letter authored by Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva, who is championing the League of California Cities' budget ask for ongoing funding.

"I'd like to sincerely thank my bipartisan coalition of colleagues for supporting our effort advocating for a permanent funding stream of $3 billion annually to help Californians find homes and prevent homelessness," said Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton). "Cities across California have an urgent need for this funding, as they struggle to provide long-term homelessness services and find themselves diverting funding from other programs. With an ongoing investment from the state, we can achieve transformative effects, prevent more individuals from losing their homes, and establish effective homelessness programs, ensuring that all Californians have a place to live and create prosperous communities. "

A recent statewide survey by the League of California Cities underscores why ongoing funding is so essential. According to the survey results, nearly 85% of cities report they have implemented programs to prevent and reduce homelessness. However, nearly 90% of cities have concerns over their ability to keep delivering those programs to those in their communities who rely upon them. Despite the concerted efforts of local governments, the number of individuals entering homelessness surpasses the capacity of many cities to effectively support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

"We are living in a time where greater state investments to address these crises are not an option -- they're a mandate," says Cal Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. "We know that budgets are about priorities and increasing the supply of affordable housing and preventing homelessness are two of the biggest priorities our state must address."

An ongoing investment of $3 billion from the state would help generate crucial housing production and provide vital support to thousands of Californians currently experiencing homelessness. Such funding would play a pivotal role in preventing thousands more individuals from losing their homes in the first place.

"The state has made significant investments in recent years, but it is only a down payment on what must be ongoing and more significant funding," says Cal Cities President and Artesia Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj. "A one-time infusion of funds does not allow for cities to plan for long-term resources, services, and care for unsheltered residents, nor does it allow for the substantial construction of affordable housing."

By replacing the outdated patchwork funding approach with a dedicated commitment to ongoing state funding, cities throughout the state can establish an accountable oversight system for implementing effective homelessness programs.

According to the survey, cities would use increased state funding to provide additional supportive services, increase shelter space, accelerate affordable housing development, invest in homeless outreach teams, and expand rent subsidy programs.

The full list of lawmakers endorsing the budget ask includes:

Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva

Assembly Member Dawn Addis

Assembly Member Juan Alanis

Assembly Member Marc Berman

Assembly Member Tasha Boerner

Assembly Member Laura Davies

Assembly Member Heath Flora

Assembly Member Mike Gipson

Assembly Member Dr. Corey Jackson

Assembly Member Stephanie Nquyen

Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco

Assembly Member Blanca Rubio

Assembly Member Pilar Schiavo

Assembly Member Tri Ta

Assembly Member Buffy Wicks

Assembly Member Lori Wilson

Assembly Member Rick Chavez Zbur

Senator Bob Archuleta

Senator Catherine Blakespear

Senator Steven Bradford

Senator Bill Dodd

Senator Lena Gonzalez

Senator John Laird

Senator Janet Nguyen

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh

Senator Susan Rubio

Senator Tom Umberg

Senator Scott Wilk

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.

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Original text here: https://www.calcities.org/news/post/2023/05/25/lawmakers-endorse-finding-a-permanent-home-in-the-state-budget-for-homelessness-programs-and-affordable-housing