AB519 — AB 519 is discussed as the central focus of the hearing and as the bill that created a housing finance work group to address complexity in the affordable housing funding process. The discussion explains that the bill brought together state housing entities and stakeholders, including developers, local governments, and tribal governments, to develop recommendations for a single consolidated application and coordinated review process. Speakers frame the bill as an effort to improve agency coordination, reduce bottlenecks and repeated competition, and produce transformational reform. The panel then provides an update on AB 519 implementation and the report released the previous month, noting that the work group’s recommendations are now being realized through the new structure.
AB519 — AB 519 is discussed as the foundational bill shaping the Housing Development Finance Committee’s work. Speakers describe it as helping shorten the path from project proposal to financing and construction, and then repeatedly reference its recommendations as the basis for next steps, the reorganization plan, the budget proposal, the work plan, and the unified application review process. The bill is also credited with enabling collaboration across agencies and stakeholders, with stakeholder engagement and work groups built around it. Overall, AB 519 is presented as central to the committee’s implementation efforts and to making the process simpler and more aligned with the bill’s goals.
AB519 — AB 519 is discussed as the basis for the hearing and the Affordable Housing Work Group process, with a speaker noting participation in the work group convened pursuant to AB 519.
AB519 — The speaker says Housing California supports much of the AB 519 report and references the AB 519 working group.
Anamarie Ãvila FarÃas — The chair references Assembly Member Chavo as the author of AB 519, thanks her, notes that she will be joining the hearing, and says she will be allowed to make opening remarks when present.
Gustavo Velasquez — Gustavo Velasquez is introduced as the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, then begins his testimony by identifying himself and describing AB 519 as a transformational reform and implementation update for the state's housing finance system.
Tony Surteach — Tony Surteach is introduced as the Executive Director of the California Housing Financing Agency and is noted as being present at the hearing.
Marina Wyant — Introduced as Executive Director of the Tax Credit Allocation Committee and the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee.
Marina Wyand — Named as executive director of TCAC and CTCAC and present at the hearing.
Tony Surges — Introduces himself as Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency and describes his prior role at HCD.
Tony Surges — Explained recommendations from the AB 519 working groups and described the scope of programs to be included in a consolidated application process.
AB434 — Cited as the earlier bill that attempted to consolidate review and award of multifamily housing programs.
AB434 — Referenced as a step in the right direction for consolidating applications, but still not fully streamlined.
Marina — Acknowledged by Tony Surges in transition between speakers.
Marina — Referenced as having previously discussed the importance of preserving a path for applicants not seeking subsidy.
Jonathan — Jonathan is repeatedly referenced as a likely participant in the next panel who can speak to the process and answer related questions.
Jonathan — Jonathan is referenced as the guiding voice behind a policy/process discussion centered on making the effort open and transparent, explaining how the various programs would work together, framing the initiative as an 'all-weather vehicle,' and emphasizing a North Star of being simpler, faster, and more transparent.
Sharon Quirk-Silva — Ms. Quirk-Silva is acknowledged and thanked for her leadership, and she responds by noting her long involvement since 2012 and expressing satisfaction that the housing efforts are finally coming to fruition.
Sharon Quirk-Silva — Referenced as Assemblymember and Chair Quirk-Silva, credited with leadership on the issue.
Sharon Quirk-Silva — Sharon Quirk-Silva is referenced as raising a point about the potential bond and the availability of new resources, prompting discussion about whether there is anything to address or prepare for in light of those possible funds and affordable housing considerations.
Sharon Quirk-Silva — Praised for emphasizing preservation.
Diane Dixon — The transcript appears to say 'Assemblymember Daly,' which likely refers to a member bringing forward a streamlining measure in 2020; the exact identity is uncertain and not corrected beyond the likely transcription error.
Nick Schultz — Mr. Haney is referenced as not being present at the Oakland project visit.
Nick Schultz — The speaker thanks 'Assemblymember Haney'; the intended member is not in the provided list, so the reference is left as spoken and not mapped.
AB1053 — The speaker asks about the status of AB 1053, which requires HCD to offer construction financing by July 1, 2027.
AB1053 — The speaker says CHP is a sponsor of AB 1053 and is looking forward to supporting implementation.
Jesse Gabriel — Assemblymember Gabriel is cited as the author of AB 1053.
Jonathan Klein — Jonathan Klein is introduced as the Executive Director of the Housing Development Finance Committee (HDFC) and then speaks to the committee. He thanks the members for the opportunity to explain HDFC’s work, identifies himself as the inaugural executive director, notes that HDFC is a new entity officially launched on July 1, and says he takes the organization’s mission seriously, having developed a work plan from his first day.
Christina Munn — Christina Munn is identified as the Deputy Secretary of Housing Finance for the California Housing and Homeless Agency, then introduces herself to the committee and thanks them, noting her role in the new Housing and Homelessness Agency and referencing AB 519's influence on the committee's work.
Tasha Boerner — Christina was referenced as having previously mentioned the July 1 launch and the regulatory work.
Ms. Wilkeselva — Responded to the chair's invitation to comment and praised the committee's approach.
Christine — Agrees that the system should be able to deploy bond dollars if and when they come.
Ann Silverberg — Introduced as President and CEO of Related California and invited to testify.
Linda Mandolini — Introduced as President and CEO of Eden Housing.
Linda Mandolini — Introduced as the CEO of Eden Housing and began reinforcing the prior testimony.
Tom Colleshaw — Introduced as President and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises.
Anne Silverberg — Introduces herself and describes Related California's affordable housing work and participation in the AB 519 work group.
Eden Housing representative — The Eden Housing representative emphasized Eden’s long-standing 55-year partnership with the state and argued that the state should treat housing providers as ongoing partners in preservation and renovation efforts. They criticized the current application system as overly punitive for administrative mistakes, such as sending or saving the wrong email, which can negatively affect future applications. They also noted that many older projects could be intensified and said the state lacks a mechanism to help partners evaluate how to optimize existing assets.
CHC representative — Supported the process, congratulated Jonathan, and proposed a subcommittee to work with agencies.
Tom Kala Shaw — Tom Kala Shaw, CEO of Self-Up Enterprises, introduced himself and described his company’s work in the San Joaquin Valley and surrounding communities. He then discussed the need for rural and farmworker housing, emphasizing the importance of improving pathways for rental housing projects. He concluded by noting California’s diversity and the particular challenges facing San Joaquin Valley and rural developers, framing his remarks as an extension of points made by other colleagues.
Ms. Chival — The chair addresses Ms. Chival and thanks her for her testimony and feedback.
Ms. Silverberg — Referenced as the person speaking to the need for work behind a consolidated application.
Mr. Kulashah — Acknowledged for bringing a rural perspective to the discussion.
Taitia Watts — Introduced herself as being with the California Housing Partnership and began public comment.
Kate Sanchez — The speaker appears to thank or reference 'member Chiavo,' likely a transcription error for a legislator who authored landmark legislation; the exact member is uncertain.
Josh Hoover — Likely the intended reference behind 'Senator Hayley'; the speaker thanks this senator for asking about AB 1053 implementation, though the name is uncertain.
Tom Lackey — The speaker references 'Tom' as having discussed reasons for a more equitable geographic allocation system; likely Senator Tom Lackey.
Aaron Hassay — Aaron Hassay gives public comment identifying himself as a veteran who joined the Navy at 18, references online records and federal lawsuits, and then states his name and background as a California kid while continuing his personal account.
Scott Wiener — The speaker describes going to Senator Scott Wiener’s office to seek help with veteran housing, repeating the same point across the two mentions.
Aaron Hassaay — Aaron Hassaay was discussed in the context of ongoing housing challenges, including difficulties navigating the housing system, generational military-related housing issues, and the need to simplify access to housing and expand affordable options, especially for veterans.