A bill that would have increased California’s goal for development of affordable senior housing has been struck down by the governor.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed SB 17, which LeadingAge California called a “crucial” piece of legislation that would have improved access to affordable housing for older adults. The bill would have required the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, or TCAC, to revise regulations for the low-income housing tax credit program to increase the state’s allocation from 15% to 20% for programs to increase affordable housing production specifically for older adults.
In his veto, Newsom said that the bill would bypass a process already in place to allow the TCAC to revise its regulations through a “robust stakeholder process.” LeadingAge California had sponsored the bill.
“While I appreciate the author’s commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing for seniors, statutorily mandated this change may adversely impact access to affordable housing for other population groups,” the governor wrote.
LeadingAge California President and CEO Jeannee Parker Martin told McKnight’s Senior Living that she was “troubled” by the veto of the bill, which would have led to “tangible progress” on the first goal of the state’s Master Plan for Aging: housing for all ages and stages by providing millions of new housing options to age well.
“While we acknowledge the governor’s concerns with the bill, imperative action is needed to stymie the occurrence and growing risk of homelessness for our older adult population,” Parker said. “LeadingAge California will continue our work in partnership with lawmakers, agency leaders and community stakeholders to champion this cause and create a future where every older adult can age in a place that feels like home.”
According to LeadingAge California, SB 17 sought “to ensure that older adults receive a fair share of funding from the state’s low income housing tax credit program.” The organization argued that the current goal of 15% for affordable senior housing developments does not reflect the current demographics of the state’s low-income renter population.
TCAC regulations governing low-income housing tax credit allocations set goals for various housing types, including seniors, large family size, special needs, single-room occupancy, at-risk, rural acquisition and rehabilitation. The tax credit program provides financing for new construction, rehabilitation and preservation of affordable rental housing.
