Committee backs doubling state match for Napa County farmworker housing centers through 2036

Summary

AB 18 90 would increase California's annual matching support for Napa County farmworker housing centers from $250,000 to $500,000 through 2036. County officials and nonprofit partners told the committee the centers provide housing and wraparound services and face rising operating costs exceeding $2.2 million annually.

Majority Leader (on the record as the bills author) presented AB 18 90 to the committee as a targeted measure to sustain Napa Countys three farmworker housing centers. Napa County Supervisor Anne Cottrell and Sonia DeLuca, executive director of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, described a public-private model that combines local capital, grower assessments and state matching funds to operate centers with year-round occupancy around 95%.

"Operating costs now exceed $2,200,000 a year," DeLuca told the committee, noting the states current $250,000 annual contribution has not increased since 2018. DeLuca said the centers provide meals, laundry, internet, navigation services and skills training and urged the committee to support AB 18 90 to preserve a model that leverages significant local and private investment.

Committee members praised the programs local partnerships and asked about long-term stability and whether the state match would leverage further local investment. The author and supporters said the increase is modest relative to total operating costs and asked for the committees aye vote. The committee voted to move the bill to Appropriations.