According to the Los Angeles Times, California's budget shortfall is estimated to be $28 billion. This deficit has prompted Governor Brown to propose drastic cuts, including the elimination of state Redevelopment Agencies (RDAs). Like food and clothing, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County believes that shelter is a basic human need that must be met. Our mission and highest priority is to meet the housing needs of low-income, working families in Santa Barbara County and the elimination of RDAs would affect our ability to do so.
Our local affordable housing projects have been possible due to RDA funds. RDAs are the single largest source of local funding for affordable housing in California. Please learn more and take action to keep local redevelopment funds in our community.
From Housing California's Budget Fact Sheet:
Next to food, adequate shelter is the most fundamental of
human needs. In California, however, rising rents and job
losses have made families the fastest growing segment of our
homeless population. As well, foreclosures are forcing more
families into the rental market, further reducing the available
supply of affordable rentals and driving rents even higher.
These facts highlight the most valuable role of redevelopment
funds in our communities: The production of affordable places to
live. On its own, the private market does not build enough
apartments with rents Californians can afford. Public investment
is crucial to providing these choices in the market.
Today, February 15th, the Senate Committee on Governance and Finance is meeting for a hearing on the proposed redevelopment elimination. We will be keeping a close eye on results from this meeting and would love to hear from you. What are your thoughts on Governor Brown's proposed budget cuts?
Update: If you believe Redevelopment Agencies need to remain, tell the legislature here.
Update: If you believe Redevelopment Agencies need to remain, tell the legislature here.
