Statewide Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 Introduced in the Assembly and Senate
In January, Governor Newsom unveiled his proposed 2025-2026 budget, including a promising cabinet-level agency focused solely on housing to streamline state efforts on housing and homelessness. However, there are currently no additional dollars for critical, evidence-based programs addressing the affordability crisis facing Californians. To build the future where everyone has a place to call home, we need sustained dollars to fund proven programs that allow us to build affordable homes and solve homelessness.
Today, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and Senator Christopher Cabaldon helped us take the next step in making this vision a reality by introducing a Housing Bond in both the State Assembly (AB 736, Wicks) and Senate (SB 417, Cabaldon). If passed by the Legislature, $10 billion in general obligation funds will be put before the voters on the 2026 ballot. To get this done, we need you in the fight with us. We are calling on allies and advocates to join us by signing on to support AB 736 and SB 417.
JOIN THE FIGHT – SIGN ON
Review our joint press release here.
Background on the Bond
California has a housing crisis that demands bold action, and Californians continue to rank housing affordability and homelessness as the two most important issues for the state to address. There are 47,000 shovel-ready affordable housing developments across the state—the only barrier to bringing these units online is the funding necessary to execute them. With over 187,000 Californians experiencing homelessness on a given night, and countless more struggling to afford their homes, we need systemic solutions that match the scale of the problem.
AB 736 and SB 417 are nearly identical bills which authorize $10 billion in general obligation bond funds to support the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing and permanent supportive housing. If passed, the bond will:
- Build and preserve a total of over 135,000 affordable homes, including housing for farmworkers and tribal communities.
- Create over 35,000 new homes affordable to very-low income, extremely low income families, while preserving or rehabilitating nearly 100,000 additional homes.
- Help over 13,000 families become homeowners, creating generational wealth and stability.
- Create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, strengthening local economies and supporting California workers.
After a tough bond effort last year, we’re ready to win in 2025. The Housing California community’s decades of leadership and deep partnerships—spanning affordable housing leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience—positions us to create real, lasting change as part of a powerful, aligned movement.
To demonstrate a strong showing of urgency for and alignment with AB 736 and SB 417 to our state legislators, sign on as an official supporter of the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026.
It will take all of us to get this done. Together, we can pass this bond and make historic progress toward ensuring every Californian has the stability and dignity of a home. We will keep you closely informed about how you can plug into this work every step of the way, and we look forward to fighting alongside you. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for ongoing updates!