NEWS: Momentum Builds for Sen. Schiff’s Landmark Legislation to Spur New Housing Boom with Endorsements from San Diego Mayor, Imperial Valley Leaders

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is touting support from leaders across cities and counties in California for his landmark legislation, the Housing BOOM Act, aimed at spurring a new boom in housing construction across the United States and help address the root causes of the housing affordability crisis, including the lack of supply, rising rents, and increasingly out of reach pathways to homeownership. Those supporting the legislation include San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Brawley councilmember Gil Rebollar, and Calexico councilmember Diana Nuricumbo.

The Housing BOOM (Building Occupancy Opportunities for Millions) Act would dramatically expand housing construction through a raft of new measures aimed at rapidly boosting construction of both affordable and middle-income housing. In his bill, Schiff proposes a landmark expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to immediately deliver additional funding streams for shovel-ready projects in need of additional capital to build thousands of additional units. This bill represents the biggest expansion of LIHTC ever proposed. The legislation also proposes a new housing construction fund for middle income Americans, and other measures to expand access to affordable housing options, combat homelessness, protect renters, and safeguard critical federal housing programs.

"We need to jumpstart a housing boom in America and massively increase the supply of new homes. In the same way we built millions of houses for returning GI's in the wake of World War II, we need to bring a similar urgency to the construction of vast numbers of new homes. Nothing less will address the crisis of housing unaffordability in America. This is why I am proud to introduce landmark legislation that will make generational investments to increase the supply of housing in California and across the country. We need to take action, and to make it possible for families to achieve the American dream. I will be focused on building bipartisan support for this bill in Congress, so we can build millions of new homes and make life more affordable for families," said Senator Schiff.

"Secure, affordable housing fundamentally changes lives and opens new doors to opportunity. Right now, we are facing a massive shortage of housing in California. We need bold, sustained, and lasting solutions to address the housing crisis and ensure people can access affordable housing options with dignity and ease," said California Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, who will introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. "I am proud to co-lead the Housing BOOM Act with Senator Schiff which will increase housing supply, create long-term, multifaceted solutions to the homelessness crisis, ensure fair housing protections, and provide tenant support for low-income families and veterans."

Here's what local leaders are saying about the Housing BOOM Act:

"I appreciate Senator Schiff's leadership in putting forward the Housing Boom Act," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. "By increasing production, expanding rental assistance, and turning under-used buildings into housing, this federal package would help working families, seniors, and veterans get into homes at a price they can afford. This legislation aligns with the work we're already doing to build more homes through local initiatives. I'm proud to support this effort to move our country - and our communities - forward."

"I wholeheartedly support the Housing BOOM Act, a critical initiative that addresses homelessness and expands access to affordable housing for our rural community. In addition, by safeguarding essential HUD programs, this legislation provides the necessary resources to ensure safe, stable living conditions for all residents, fostering a stronger, more resilient Calexico for future generations," said Calexico councilmember Diana Nuricumbo.

"I support Senator Schiff's Housing BOOM Act because it finally speaks to the people I hear from the most: the ones who get up every day, go to work, and still struggle to find a place to call home; as well as our seniors on fixed incomes who built these communities and now live with a quiet fear that one rent hike or medical bill could push them out. I commend the Senator for this effort as I believe this is a step toward building the kind of middle-income, workforce, and senior housing cities like Brawley need," said Brawley councilmember Gil Rebollar.

The Housing BOOM Act is endorsed by the California State Association of Counties, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, National Leased Housing Association, and the National Women's Shelter Network.

"The Affordable Housing Package represents an urgently needed comprehensive solution to addressing the homeless crisis in our country, from transformative investments in emergency shelter and supportive services to multi-sector affordable housing. No woman or child should ever be forced to remain in abusive circumstances or live on the streets of this country because of a lack of shelter capacity and resources. Resources, such as those provided by the Affordable Housing Package, are critical to saving and changing lives,"said Constance Collins, President of the National Women's Shelter Network, Inc.

"Senator Schiff's bill empowers local governments to address the housing and homelessness crisis with the resources and flexibility needed to foster thriving communities," said Jeff Griffiths, President of the California State Association of Counties and Inyo County Supervisor.

"The Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition (RVCC) enthusiastically supports the Housing BOOM Act for its significant investments in USDA rural housing, disaster recovery assistance, and workforce housing - areas vital to the stability and resilience of rural and public-lands communities. By strengthening rural housing programs, improving post-disaster recovery tools, and expanding affordable options for the local workforce, this bill addresses longstanding barriers to keeping rural families, workers, and land-stewardship professionals housed in the places they serve. RVCC applauds Senator Schiff for recognizing that sustainable rural economies depend on safe, attainable housing and robust recovery systems that help communities rebuild and thrive," said Laurel Harkness, Director of Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

A one pager of the legislation is available here.

A section-by-section of the legislation is available here.

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