Our 2021 Priorities: Urgent Change Now, Lasting Solutions for Our Future
As advocates and housing champions, we continue to witness the ever-changing tides of social, political, and electoral trends and attitudes. This reality calls for a dual-purposed strategy for securing meaningful policy wins.
Firstly, it is critical that we pass urgently needed affordable housing legislation now, such as one-time investments for more affordable housing and programs to address homelessness, in order to respond to the needs of the hour for our communities. This is especially critical for our Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and all people of color neighbors who are disproportionately subjected to exclusionary housing policies.
Additionally, big picture, long-term shifts in our housing infrastructure are needed for lasting, systemic changes that can help make safe, stable, and affordable housing the new status-quo. This requires that housing become accessible and equitable for everyone, no matter their race or income. Examples of these include expanded democracy and ongoing, permanent funding for affordable housing and sustainable communities.
Grow Power, Secure Justice
In order to achieve big, bold systems change, we need to build, grow, and shift power. This means building up political and social power within our affordable housing movement and industry, shifting power to voters, affordable housing residents, advocates, and all those working toward our collective vision of a future where everyone has a place to call home. This also means prioritizing inclusiveness, anchoring our work in racial justice so that the inequities that continue to persist in our housing policies can one day be eradicated.
Below you will find NPH’s legislative priorities for the 2021-22 cycle, which contain a combination of shorter-term investments for our communities and neighborhoods who require relief now, as well as longer-term strategies for bold, systems change:
Big, Bold Systems Change
Housing is the foundation out of which we all grow and succeed in life. In order to prioritize affordable housing as essential for our communities, we need more than incremental change. Substantial investments and expanded democracy are part of the big, scalable solutions we need to make lasting impact for all of our neighbors.
Affordable Housing Preservation and Production
Housing preservation is an investment in disinvested communities, which are often comprised of people of color and others who contend with structural inequities. By maintaining the affordability of housing, we protect long-standing communities from gentrification and displacement.
- NPH is also working to improve foreclosure protections so that more foreclosed homes can be converted into permanent affordable housing.
- NPH is advocating for affordable housing priorities through the state budget process, including funding for preservation ($500M); the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) ($18.5M); funding for production ($3 billion for the pipeline of projects funded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and $10 billion to invest in more affordable housing); and continued funding for tax credits which are used for preservation purposes ($500M).
Public Lands for Public Good
Public, surplus lands should benefit the public good, and present opportunities to create affordable housing to help keep communities in place, particularly Black and brown neighborhoods.
Ways to Engage
The fight isn’t over yet! Help us move housing legislation forward by doing the following:
- Endorse our full legislative slate! Show your support for our housing initiatives or pick individual bills to support.
- Send in support letters. Help us show that there’s strength in numbers by supporting these bills:
- Tweet and let your networks know you’ve endorsed this legislation and invite them to do the same.
- Join our Working Groups to deepen your engagement with NPH and affordable housing.
- New for 2021, NPH is introducing The Policy Pipeline Newsletter, where you can get curated monthly content that dives deep into the details. Sign up here to stay in-the-know on NPH Priority Bills and other critical affordable housing policy details
October 10, 2024
KQED: Newsom Vowed to Build Housing on Surplus State Property. 99% of the Land Will Stay Vacant
Before Gavin Newsom became governor of California, he campaigned on a promise to make surplus state-...
September 30, 2024
KQED: It Was a Sleepy Year For Housing Legislation; Here Are Some That Made It Through
After several years of blockbuster housing bills passing through the California Legislature, t...
September 4, 2024
KQED: It Was a Sleepy Year For Housing Legislation; Here Are Some That Made It Through
After several years of blockbuster housing bills passing through the C...
April 10, 2024
Eden Housing: Q&A with Amie Fishman, Executive Director of NPH
Amie Fishman has dedicated her entire career toward affordable housing. She has led NPH since 2015, ...
October 24, 2023
Affordable Housing Finance: California Approves Hefty Package of Housing Bills
Churches, faith institutions, and nonprofit colleges in California have a smoother path to build aff...
October 24, 2023
Spectrum News 1: Newsom Signs 56 Bills to Address the Housing Crisis
Newsom has vetoed 156 bills and signed 890 into law. Among those are 56 housing measures, streamlini...
August 15, 2023
CalMatters: Making borrowing easier: Amendment to state constitution could unlock billions of dollars for California housing
As state lawmakers scramble to put a lid on ever-increasing housing costs, a persistent homelessnes...
August 9, 2023
CBS Bay Area: Work begins on controversial housing project in Marin County
A Marin City community said it is worried a housing project will accelerate gentrification and push ...
February 23, 2023
Davis Vanguard: Affordable Housing Bill Gets Union Support
Sacramento, CA – This week, two of the largest unions in California—SEIU (Service Employees Inte...
January 18, 2023
Silicon Valley: Is the Bay Area on the Verge of a Housing Construction Slowdown?
Developers say a turbulent economy is creating even more challenges for a region that's struggling t...
January 17, 2023
KQED: Newsom's Proposed Budget Keeps Most Housing, Homeless Funding Intact. Advocates Want MoreKQED:
Amid a looming $22.5 billion deficit, California housing advocates expressed relief that Gov. Gavin ...
December 7, 2022
The Mercury News: Building homes in ‘God’s backyard’: New bill would permit housing at California’s churches, mosques and synagogues
Just one day after the start of the new legislative session, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) ann...
December 7, 2022
*PRESS RELEASE* Sen. Wiener Intros YIGBY Housing Legislation to Allow Religious Institutions & Nonprofit Colleges to Build Affordable Housing on Their Land
SB 4 ensures that churches, faith institutions, and nonprofit colleges will be able to build afforda...
November 9, 2022
KQED: Here's Every Bay Area Housing Measure on the Ballot This Election
Housing is once again on the ballot this election, but unlike in years past, when big statewide prop...
November 3, 2022
Medium: A New Era for Affordable Housing
Imagine a government that is responsive and well-resourced. Imagine a home community you are proud o...
October 12, 2022
Market Watch: The record-breaking bet on sports gambling in California faces long odds
Two dueling ballot initiatives to legalize sports betting in California have wagered more than $400 ...
September 19, 2022
San Francisco Chronicle: Prop. 27 would rake in millions for homelessness. So why don’t homeless advocates support it?
Prop. 27 would rake in millions for homelessness. So why don’t homeless advocates support it?...
August 15, 2022
Sports Handle: California’s Proposition 27 Scores Big With MLB Endorsement
Major League Baseball on Friday became the first professional sports league to stand up in support o...
June 14, 2022
Commercial Observer: Calif. Lawmaker Wants to Fast-Track Housing for Religious Institutions
California state Sen. Scott Wiener, who frequently authors housing reform bills, has introduced...
June 13, 2022
Yes in God's back yard: Bay Area lawmaker revives plan for affordable housing at churches
SAN FRANCISCO – Amid the state’s ongoing housing woes, a Bay Area lawmaker has reintroduced ...
June 10, 2022
The YIGBYs are back: Push to let churches build affordable housing on their land revived in California
The fight that gave rise to yet another California housing-related moniker — Yes in God’s Back Y...
September 20, 2021
The Mercury News: Gov. Newsom’s office launches $1.75 billion affordable housing fund
California on Thursday launched a $1.75 billion fund that could help produce more than 7,000 new hom...
June 7, 2021
Reasons to be Cheerful: Churches Are Becoming Players in Making Cities More Affordable
Bishop Matthews, head of East Oakland, California’s Genesis Worship Center, has long apprecia...
April 29, 2021
The Mercury News: Bay Area gets more housing funds, local mayors warn it’s not enough
After excluding the Bay Area’s largest cities from a key pot of affordable housing funding — pro...
January 14, 2021
California Globe: AB 71 Amended to add Tax Increases to Fund ‘Bring California Home Act’
Assembly Bill 71 was amended on January 12 to replace its intent language with dozens of pages ...
January 12, 2021
Governor’s Budget Proposal & Bay Area Housing Justice: NPH’s Analysis
Late last week, Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed budget for California’s 2021-22 fiscal...
December 4, 2020
Cal Matters: Rising seas - California’s affordable housing faces worse floods
California’s crisis of affordable housing appears to be running smack into another intractable pro...
November 4, 2020
Statement on Election Impacts on Housing Justice in Bay Area from Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California Executive Director Amie Fishman
“Among the many pressing issues of our time, this election presents critical opportunities to adva...
September 2, 2020
Opinion: This legislation addresses needed housing and racial justice
Californians face an incredible opportunity to use over 38,800 acres of underused land for new, affo...
July 21, 2020
Hundreds of California Faith Leaders Declare Moral Imperative for State Assembly to Pass Critical Housing Bill
Released Tuesday, July 21 Hundreds of California Faith Leaders Declare Moral Imperative for State As...
June 30, 2020
KQED: Housing, Homelessness Were California Lawmakers' Top Priorities Before Pandemic. Where Do They Stand Now?
“Gov. Gavin Newsom began the year with a tour of homeless and mental health services providers...
May 18, 2020
Amidst COVID environment, Bay Area Voters Cite Housing As Top Concern
RELEASE: Amidst COVID Environment, Bay Area Voters Cite Housing As Top Concern New poll shows strong...
May 13, 2020
Affordable Housing Advocates Release Plan for Providing Immediate Assistance to Struggling Low-Income Households, Maintaining Access to Affordable Housing During the COVID-19 Emergency
The new ‘Affordable Housing and Homelessness Framework’ includes detailed funding proposals to s...
April 27, 2020
Bay Area and Statewide Community Organizations Call for Emergency Federal Action on COVID-19 Public Health and Economic Crises
Bay Area and Statewide Community Organizations Call for Emergency Federal Action on COVID-19 Public ...
March 11, 2020
BISNOW: SB 50 Author Proposes Bill Allowing Churches By-Right Development
“A new bill introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat who represents the 11th District...
March 9, 2020
SENATOR WIENER INTRODUCES HOUSING LEGISLATION TO ALLOW CHURCHES AND OTHER CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS TO BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON THEIR PROPERTY
For Immediate Release “Sacramento – Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced SB ...
March 6, 2020
THE MERCURY NEWS: NEW BILL WOULD LET CALIFORNIA CHURCHES BUILD AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON THEIR PROPERTY
“Under a new proposal, churches, synagogues and mosques would be able to build affordable housing ...
January 31, 2020
Mercury News: Major California zoning bill dies, supporters vow to try again
One of the most divisive housing measures in recent California memory died on the Senate floor Thurs...
January 30, 2020
Statement on Senate Bill 50 from NPH Executive Director Amie Fishman
Californians are counting on our elected leaders to advance big, bold solutions for a future where a...
January 24, 2020
NPH’s position on SB 50’s opportunities for our region and state & the critical need to anchor equity in the bill’s policy
NPH is proud to support and co-sponsor Senate Bill 50 as a big, bold solution for affordable housing...
January 10, 2020
Mercury News: "Newsom’s 2020 budget leaves some housing advocates wanting more"
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January 6, 2020
Mercury News: "SB 50 is up for a key Senate vote this month"
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November 18, 2019
Sac Bee: "Advocates want more done to lower California costs"
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October 12, 2019
The Davis Vanguard: Gov. Newsom Signs SB 330, ‘Housing Crisis Act of 2019’
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October 9, 2019
STATEMENT FROM NPH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMIE FISHMAN ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW
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October 2, 2019
Capital & Main: Will Newsom Sign Bill Reviving Redevelopment Agencies?
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October 1, 2019
The Daily Californian: "A Small Step to the Governor's Desk, a Giant Leap for Our Community"
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September 26, 2019
The Daily Californian: "Bill aimed at tackling Bay Area housing crisis passes CA State Legislature"
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September 26, 2019
Medium: "Dear Governor: An Open Letter from Affordable Housing and Homelessness Leaders around the State"
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September 17, 2019
"Landmark Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk to Address the Bay Area Housing Crisis"
The California State Legislature approved Assembly Bill 1487 (Chiu-San Francisco), which will allow ...
September 17, 2019
Daily Journal: "Regional housing tax effort part of larger package"
Housing advocates lauded the success of a proposal to boost the fundraising capacity of regional org...
September 13, 2019
STATEMENT FROM NPH'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMIE FISHMAN ON LEGISLATIVE SESSION IMPACT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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September 12, 2019
RELEASE: CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE PASSES FIRST EVER COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL HOUSING APPROACH
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June 11, 2019
The Bay City Beacon: "California Voters Could Repeal Article 34 Next Year"
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May 24, 2019
Mercury News: "Bay Area might get its first-ever regional body for affordable housing"
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May 22, 2019
Mercury News: "Supporters unite in last-chance effort to save California’s most controversial housing bill"
“In a last-ditch attempt to save the year’s most controversial housing measure, supporters o...
May 17, 2019
San Mateo Daily Journal: Housing legislation stalls... frustrated advocates look ahead
“This year’s most controversial piece of housing legislation stalled in Sacramento, as lawma...
May 17, 2019
Mother Jones: California Lawmakers Just Shelved Their Only Bill Focused on Solving the Housing Shortage Crisis
“On the same day that a devastating new report on homelessness was released, California lawmak...
May 16, 2019
Statement on SB 50 from NPH Executive Director Amie Fishman
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May 6, 2019
Times-Herald: Affordable housing crisis even hits Solano County residents
“…In collaboration with the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California and lo...
April 18, 2019
Pacific Standard Magazine: Inside the Political FIght Over How to Handle California's Housing Crisis
“From Sonoma to San Diego, the state faces a massive affordability crisis; across the politica...
March 25, 2019
Mercury News: Bay Area voters poll results
“They’re the twin demons plaguing Bay Area residents: the never-ending grind of bumper-to-bu...
March 22, 2019
Mountain View Voice on the CASA compact
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March 18, 2019
SM Daily Journal: "Local officials contend with housing bills"
“With each day new, a fresh piece of housing legislation seemingly arrives in Sacramento as la...
January 31, 2019
RELEASE: Major Environmental and Affordable Housing Organizations Endorse Senator Wiener’s SB 50, the More HOMES Act
California League of Conservation Voters, Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California &...
January 30, 2019
Medium: "We’re All In for Governor Gavin Newsom’s Marshall Plan for Housing"
““In our home, no one should live in constant fear of eviction or spend their whole paycheck...
January 17, 2019
KQED Forum: Governor Newsom Proposes Withholding Funds from Cities that Don't Meet Housing Goals
“Housing is an urgent matter. We have to do things differently to see change.” – A...
January 11, 2019
Statement on Governor's "California From All" Budget from NPH Executive Director Amie Fishman
“A California For All means investing deeply in housing, demonstrating strong leadership, and ...
December 6, 2018
Mercury News: "California gears up for round 2 on controversial battle over more homes near transit"
“A controversial bill with the potential to add millions of apartments and condominiums near t...
October 3, 2018
Univision: Gobernador de California aprueba ley para construir vivienda cerca del BART
El gobernador Jerry Brown aprobó la ley 2923 donde se aprueba que más de 300 acres en 27estaciones...
October 3, 2018
East County Today: BART Housing Bill Signed by Governor Brown
On Sunday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2923 that will bring much needed relief to the ...
August 22, 2018
Lamorinda Weekly: BART bill to head for senate vote
“We are pleased [AB 2923] has been sent to the Senate floor for a vote and have agreed to majo...
August 6, 2018
Mercury News Op-Ed: More Housing, Less Traffic -- A Bill Badly Needed for the Bay Area
“As our state lawmakers return from summer recess and get back to unfinished business, there r...
February 15, 2018
AMIE FISHMAN OF NPH AND SAM MOSS OF MISSION HOUSING ON "YOUR CALL" KALW
On February 14, 2018, NPH Executive Director Amie Fishman and Mission Housing Executive Director S...
November 6, 2017
San Francisco Business Times: "The tide is turning for affordable housing"
It’s no secret that the Bay Area has a housing crisis. Business leaders have long identified housi...
October 27, 2017
Daily Journal: Law offers redevelopment agency replacement
“Gov. Jerry Brown heeded calls from lawmakers this legislative session by approving a slew of ...
October 18, 2017
Richmond Confidential: Contra Costa affordable-housing advocates hope to build off ‘great energy’ of new state laws
“During the Richmond town hall, some speakers talked about the significance of the state bills...
October 11, 2017
Mercury News: "On a roll: Affordable housing advocates pack a San Francisco hotel and say they’re winning the battle"
Friday conference was part rally, part double-down work session to mitigate the housing crisis ...
October 3, 2017
KRON 4: Governor Brown signs California affordable housing bills
“There’s been momentum that’s been building towards this moment. And it’s so...
October 3, 2017
New York Times: California Starts Tackling Huge Affordable Housing Shortage
“We need to get to a scale that meets the challenge that we’re facing,” said Amie ...
October 3, 2017
Univision: Gobernador de California aprueba paquete legislativo para enfrentar la crisis de vivienda
Ver este video sobre viviendas asequibles, con Michael Lane, Director de Politicas de NPH! via Univi...
October 3, 2017
Hoodline Tenderloin: Governor In Town To Sign Affordable Housing Funding Bills
“It was truly a historic legislative session,” said Michael Lane, policy director for the Non-P...
October 3, 2017
Daily Cal: Gov. Jerry Brown signs 15 bills to improve affordable housing in California
“On Friday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a package of housing bills that aim to improve Californian...
September 29, 2017
GOVERNOR SIGNS HOUSING PACKAGE, LAUNCHES PROGRESS FOR CALIFORNIA HOUSING
For immediate release ...
September 15, 2017
9.15.17 NPH Response to Housing Package Votes
For immediate release ...
September 14, 2017
LA Times: "Key California housing legislation still lacks votes"
“…If SB 2 doesn’t pass, [NPH Policy Director Michael] Lane said he’s hoping i...
July 17, 2017
NPH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMIE FISHMAN STATEMENT ON HOUSING PACKAGE ANNOUNCED TODAY “All of Calif...
July 14, 2017
SF Chronicle: "California housing crisis spurring lawmakers into action"
“Homeownership in California has dropped to 1940s levels. Meanwhile, the cost of rental housin...
July 13, 2017
SF Examiner: "Senate Bill 35 will help create affordable homes for vulnerable populations"
“Everyone knows California is facing a housing affordability crisis. In fact, recent local pol...
May 1, 2017
Support Grows for SB 2
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March 6, 2017
"Our California values are about thriving, diverse, inclusive communities"
“NPH and all of us here believe in a Bay Area, believe in a California and a nation where ever...
February 16, 2016
NPH Sponsors Senator Leno's Bill to Increase Affordable Housing Options for Low-Income Families
On Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 Senator Mark Leno introduced, SB 1053, the Housing Opportunities Act...
June 8, 2015
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Bill Passes Assembly
The California State Assembly today voted 78-0 to pass Assembly Bill 35, which is jointly authored b...
May 7, 2015
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Bill Passes First Committee
Please read this important press release from Assembly Member David Chiu’s office with a quote...
September 22, 2023
2023 Legislative Session: A Turning Point for Housing Solutions
2023 was a year for the record books, as a turning point for affordable housing solutions in the sta...
August 15, 2023
CalMatters: Making borrowing easier: Amendment to state constitution could unlock billions of dollars for California housing
As state lawmakers scramble to put a lid on ever-increasing housing costs, a persistent homelessnes...
August 9, 2023
CBS Bay Area: Work begins on controversial housing project in Marin County
A Marin City community said it is worried a housing project will accelerate gentrification and push ...
June 30, 2023
Final Budget Maintains Prior Housing Commitments with Additional Investments, Emphasizes Need for Deeper Strategy Ahead
The state’s housing shortage is exactly the critical environment that required us to remain steadf...
January 12, 2023
NPH's 2023-2024 Budget Proposal Analysis
Governor Newsom’s budget proposal preserves existing affordable housing rental funds, but deeper i...
October 31, 2022
2022 Legislative Summary: Winning & Building Momentum for 2023
NPH entered 2022 knowing that to transform our housing infrastructure, we need change from the groun...
May 16, 2022
Governor’s May Revise Doesn’t Go Far Enough to Support Housing, Homelessness Solutions that Our Communities Desperately Need
Late last week, Governor Gavin Newsom released his May Revise to the 2022-2023 state budget proposal...
January 12, 2022
Governor’s 2022-2023 Budget Proposal Analysis
NPH will continue to work diligently with our partners and allies to make sure that our lawmakers pr...
September 27, 2021
Tell Federal Lawmakers to Prioritize Affordable Housing in the Build Back Better Package
NPH and coalition partners are calling on Speaker Pelosi and Senators Feinstein and Padilla to ...
July 2, 2021
The Policy Pipeline: Jul 6, 2021
To stay on top of all of our legislative updates, sign up for The Policy Pipeline newsletter today! ...
June 29, 2021
Final State Budget Makes Robust Investments in Housing, Homelessness Solutions
Yesterday, the State Legislature passed and Governor Gavin Newsom is soon expected to sign the 2021-...
May 27, 2021
The Policy Pipeline: May 27, 2021
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May 12, 2021
Governor’s May Revision Shows Bold Leadership To Address Homelessness, Increase Affordable Housing
Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision to the 2021-22 state budget shows bold leadership to resource...
May 6, 2021
RELEASE: New Reports on Bay Area Housing Costs Demonstrates Need for CA Legislature and State Budget to Prioritize Affordable Housing Now
May 6, 2021 (San Francisco Bay Area) – In anticipation of the release of Governor Gavin Newsom’s...
April 30, 2021
The Policy Pipeline: April 30, 2021
To stay on top of all of our legislative updates, sign up for The Policy Pipeline newsletter today! ...
March 25, 2021
The Policy Pipeline: March, 2021
To stay on top of all of our legislative updates, sign up for The Policy Pipeline newsletter today! ...
January 12, 2021
Governor’s Budget Proposal & Bay Area Housing Justice: NPH’s Analysis
Late last week, Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed budget for California’s 2021-22 fiscal...
September 26, 2019
MEDIUM: “DEAR GOVERNOR: AN OPEN LETTER FROM AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS LEADERS AROUND THE STATE”
“Dear Governor Newsom, Your leadership was instrumental in bringing a legislative housing package ...
September 18, 2019
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE OPPORTUNITY: NPH’S 2019 LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP
As this year’s legislative session comes to a close, we’re thrilled to share that most of NPH’...
May 15, 2019
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: MAY 15, 2019
BUDGET, BILLS, & BUILDING MOMENTUM Last week, the Governor released the May Revise, an updated p...
January 30, 2019
MEDIUM: “WE’RE ALL IN FOR GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM’S MARSHALL PLAN FOR HOUSING”
““In our home, no one should live in constant fear of eviction or spend their whole paycheck to ...
October 2, 2018
THAT’S A WRAP ON THE 2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION!
While affordable housing remains the number one issue to Bay Area voters, affordable housing advocat...
September 22, 2017
UPDATE: HOUSING BILLS PASSED DURING 2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The Legislature made crucial first steps in addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis in th...
June 13, 2017
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: JUNE 13, 2017
Though California Leadership began the 2017-18 session with strong language proclaiming that address...
December 13, 2016
STATE LEGISLATURE KICKS OFF NEW SESSION
California legislative leaders began the 2017-18 session with passionate words, pledging their commi...
November 1, 2016
NEW LIHTC ADVOCACY FACT SHEET FOR CALIFORNIA
The Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH) believes in a future where everyone ...
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