California Governor Announces Funding for Housing Recovery

California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new initiative, allocating $110 million aimed at rebuilding affordable housing in Los Angeles, which was severely impacted by a wildfire six months ago.

Tomiquia Moss, secretary for the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, mentioned that the California Department of Housing Development (HUD) is channeling funds through existing programs designed to enhance affordable housing opportunities for low-income residents.

Moss emphasized that while Los Angeles is making strides in recovery, the situation remains critical. “Thousands of families are still displaced, spanning from Pallisades to Altadena and to Malibu. We are committed to supporting them,” she stated on Tuesday.

“The funds announced today will help speed up the creation of affordable multi-family rental units, enabling those affected by the tragedy to find safe and accessible homes,” she added.

A streamlined application process has been established for affordable housing developers, allowing them to apply for various funding sources through the Multi-Family Finance Super NOFA (MFSN).

Previously, HCD rolled out a $382 million MFSN for affordable rentals statewide, along with an additional $50 million targeted at tribal MFSN. The newly introduced “MFSN-LA Disaster NOFA” is specifically focused on aiding recovery efforts post-fire.

Projects located near the wildfire burn area will be prioritized in the application process, ensuring that households evacuated by the Los Angeles County wildfires are given preference.

“By prioritizing these affordable and well-prepared housing projects, we aim to enhance the stability and overall health of our communities,” Moss commented.

Gustavo Velasquez, HCD director, commended the department’s initiatives, noting, “We’ve developed an efficient program tailored to assist the Los Angeles community in recovering from this profound loss.”

“Our team worked diligently to ensure this program supports families displaced by the fire as swiftly as possible,” he added.

This funding announcement comes just a day after Newsom marked the six-month anniversary of the Eton and Palisades wildfires and sought federal support for the state’s recovery efforts.