Foster City Partners with State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin on Affordable Housing Preservation Proposal
For Immediate Release: February 25, 2021
Contact: Peter Pirnejad, (650) 286-3220, manager@fostercity.org
At the request of the Foster City City Council, California State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (D, South San Francisco) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1029. This measure helps to position Foster City and other California jurisdictions to vie for much needed state funding to preserve existing affordable housing units that are at risk of being converted into market rate units due to expiring covenants. As the sponsors of this legislation, Foster City will partner with Assemblymember Mullin throughout 2021, providing committee testimony, engaging with state and regional stakeholders, and building a strong coalition of support throughout the 2021 legislative session.
“The Council has expressed its steadfast commitment to residents in addressing the need for more affordable housing units in our City,” said Foster City Mayor Sanjay Gehani. “While the State has been primarily focused on increasing housing production, addressing the affordable housing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach—which includes prioritizing State funding for the preservation of existing affordable housing units. AB 1029 will support our City’s ongoing efforts to keep our most vulnerable residents in their homes. On behalf of the Foster City City Council, I want to express my sincere appreciation to Assemblymember Mullin, for his recognition of this approach and for his leadership in carrying this important legislation on our behalf.”
Foster City is not alone in grappling with the potential loss of existing affordable housing units. According to the California Housing and Community Development Departments California’s Housing Future: Challenges and Opportunities, over the next decade, expiring subsidies supporting 117,714 affordable housing units across the state are set to expire—likely displacing residents as these Below Market Rate units covert to market rate units.
Since the elimination of the Redevelopment Agency by the State, California cities no longer have access to significant funding and ongoing affordable housing resources. While Foster City has implemented several programs, including committing General Fund dollars towards rental assistance for affected tenants in the City, without immediate assistance from state and federal programs, many affordable units will convert to market rates.
Fair housing objectives also benefit when existing affordable housing is preserved. This issue is heightened in higher housing cost areas, where long-term Below Market Rate tenants often are forced to leave their community to obtain replacement housing.
“The City looks forward to working closely with Assemblymember Mullin, the Members of the California State Legislature and the Newsom Administration to advance a measure that brings balance to the affordable housing conversation,” said Foster City City Manager Peter Pirnejad.
AB 1029 is currently in the Assembly Rules committee awaiting referral. The measure will be referred to the Assembly Housing and Community Development policy committee for a public hearing in mid-March.
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