Assembly Member Valencia prioritizes homelessness in state housing reorganization discussions

In a pivotal meeting held on May 13, 2025, the California State Assembly's Joint Hearing of the Business and Professions Committee and the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee focused on pressing issues surrounding homelessness and housing finance. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as assembly members expressed their commitment to ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars spent on these critical areas.

Assembly member Valencia opened the discussion by emphasizing the unacceptable nature of receiving news about homelessness outcomes from external sources rather than from the government itself. "We owe it to the taxpayers to ensure we are getting outcomes for the billions of dollars spent," he stated, highlighting the need for better data and oversight. His remarks underscored a growing frustration among lawmakers regarding the effectiveness of current initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness.

The meeting also addressed the reorganization of the Business Consumer Services Agency, with assurances that there would be no fee increases for licensees as a result of this restructuring. This move was welcomed by assembly members as a step towards more efficient governance. "Good government is about making bureaucracy work for everyone," remarked one member, reinforcing the importance of transparency and efficiency in state operations.

A significant point of discussion was the proposed housing development and finance agency, which aims to streamline processes for housing finance. However, concerns were raised about the exclusion of low-income housing tax credits from this new agency. Assembly members questioned how the agency would coordinate with the treasurer's office to ensure a cohesive approach to housing finance. The response highlighted ongoing collaboration between the treasurer's office and the administration, with a focus on integrating various funding sources to support a continuum from homelessness to homeownership.

As the meeting progressed, the assembly members expressed a collective determination to tackle the challenges of homelessness and housing finance head-on. With a commitment to follow up on these discussions, they left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to implement changes that would lead to tangible outcomes for California's communities. The implications of this meeting resonate beyond the walls of the assembly, as the state grapples with the pressing need for effective solutions to its housing crisis.