Esmeralda Lopez supports AB 595 to boost affordable homeownership in California

The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee of the California State Assembly convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 595, aimed at expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for middle and low-income Californians. Esmeralda Lopez, the California state director for Unidos US, a prominent Latino civil rights organization, expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its potential to create a tax credit program for builders of income-restricted homes.

Lopez emphasized the importance of homeownership as a pathway to generational wealth, particularly for Latino communities, which have historically faced barriers in accessing housing. She noted that there are approximately 1.9 million mortgage-ready Latinos aged 18 to 45 in California, yet rising home prices have made ownership increasingly unattainable. The bill is seen as a crucial step in addressing these disparities, especially given that homeownership rates for African Americans and Latinos are significantly lower than those for white Californians.

The meeting also featured endorsements from various organizations, including California YIMBY, Enterprise Community Partners, and the California Catholic Conference, all voicing their support for the bill. No opposition was recorded during the session, indicating a strong consensus among stakeholders regarding the need for legislative action to improve housing access.

The committee's discussions reflect ongoing concerns about housing affordability in California, particularly in light of recent polling that shows housing remains a top issue for voters. The support for AB 595 underscores a collective effort to tackle the challenges faced by communities of color in achieving homeownership and building wealth. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the bill as it moves through the legislative process.