SACRAMENTO, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Released today by California Forward (CA FWD) with support from Wells Fargo, "Regions Build Together ? A Housing Agenda for All California," provides a regions-up housing agenda consisting of 14 practical actions that can relieve the state's persistent housing crisis.
"For the state to fulfill its promise as a place of opportunity for all, the state along with a broad coalition of regional and philanthropic stakeholders must work together to increase the housing supply so that all residents can live affordably near their jobs," said Micah Weinberg, CEO of CA FWD. "Regions Build Together provides a comprehensive regions-up agenda bringing economic, policy and political components together to address the state's urgent need to create the housing our residents need."
Even after a decade of robust economic growth, California has failed to make substantive progress on addressing the housing needs of its population. The California Dream Index shows the number of Californians paying less than 30% of their income on rent ? the standard threshold for affordability ? has stagnated. Between 2010-2019, home ownership rates have actually declined by 4.5%.
Wells Fargo sponsored the development of this report, speaking both to the commitment of the organization and the important thought-leadership role philanthropy can play in helping address the state's housing needs. In 2019, Wells Fargo announced a commitment of $1 Billion in philanthropy through 2025 to confront the U.S. housing affordability crisis.
"Having a safe and affordable place to call home is essential to help lay the foundation for wellness, dignity, and economic opportunity, yet far too many people in California are struggling financially and facing housing instability," said Eileen Fitzgerald, head of housing affordability philanthropy with Wells Fargo. "This report brings to light the vital need in California for innovative housing affordability solutions that address racial equity and together can build a more inclusive, sustainable future where everyone can have a quality and affordable place to call home."
The report looks at the state through nine regional housing markets. It identifies 14 actions across six areas consisting of:
"A state perspective of the housing crisis doesn't provide an accurate view of where we are today," said Paul Granillo, President and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, one of the regional partners who contributed to the report. "By looking at local and regional housing trends, barriers and efforts, along with a broader statewide perspective we're able to get a fuller picture of the opportunities that can be replicated or scaled up at a state level."
Three key actions from the report will be featured in CA FWD's Building Equitable Economies: Regions Build Together webinar today at 11 a.m. and include:
The Bay Area Council Economic Institute, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation developed the regional chapters of the report detailing the current state of affordability, unique challenges, and potential solutions to develop the regions-up housing agenda. The detailed chapters covering the nine regional housing markets include the Bay Area; Central Coast; Central Valley; Greater Los Angeles; Imperial and San Diego; Inland Empire; Northern California; Orange; and, Sacramento.
ABOUT CA FWD
California Forward (CA FWD) leads a statewide movement, bringing people together across communities, regions and interests to improve government and create inclusive, sustainable growth for everyone. A 501(c)(3) organization, CA FWD drives collective action to identify solutions that can be taken to scale to meet the challenges the state is facing. CA FWD serves as the backbone for the California Stewardship Network, an alliance of regional economic development leaders, and is home to the California Economic Summit and the California Dream Index.
Contact: Jania Palacios
520.404.7643
[email protected]
SOURCE CA Fwd
These press releases may also interest you
|