The Governor Signs a Historic Package of Laws to Protect Tenants, Prevent Homelessness, and Create Affordable Housing – Now What?
On October 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law one of the nation’s most far-reaching packages of bills designed to prevent homelessness, protect tenants from eviction, and make it possible to create new homes for thousands of Californians.
The work was made possible by a collaboration of diverse allies who are working to preserve existing affordable homes, protect the families in them, and produce more housing at all income levels. They were joined by a broad coalition of elected officials, including Assemblymember David Chiu, who authored several of the recently-passed bills and who has made preventing homelessness and providing affordable homes to all Californians one of his signature issues.
While these represent important strides, more work needs to be done. On November 4, the Commonwealth Club hosted a panel discussion about the implications of this new legislation, as well as what the future holds for addressing the challenge of homelessness and housing in the Bay Area.
Speakers
Larry Kramer, President of the Hewlett Foundation, which is providing unrestricted grant support to the San Francisco Foundation, introduced the panel.
Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation, which helped lead the coalition to advance the housing legislation, moderated the conversation, featuring panelists:
- David Chiu: State Assemblymember representing California’s 17th Assembly District.
- Gina Dalma: Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Special Advisor to the CEO, Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
- Guillermo Mayer: President & CEO of Public Advocates Inc., a key organization that helped advance the public call for a comprehensive housing package.
- Denise Pinkston: Partner at TMG Partners, a local developer that has been a strong advocate for building more housing.
