California is taking a “significant step forward” in addressing the urgent housing needs of the state’s older adults by dedicating more resources to affordable senior housing.
After more than a year of focused advocacy efforts, LeadingAge California said that the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee is implementing the association’s recommendation to increase the goal for senior housing in the low-income housing tax credit program from 15% to 20%.
TCAC regulations governing low-income housing tax credit allocations set goals for various housing types, including seniors, large family size, special needs, single-room occupancy, at-risk, rural acquisition and rehabilitation. The tax credit program provides financing for construction, rehabilitation and preservation of affordable rental housing.
In 2023, LeadingAge California supported SB 17, a bill that would have increased the LIHTC housing type goal to 20%. Although vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) over concerns that it would adversely affect access to affordable housing for other groups, he encouraged supporters to pursue change through the regulatory process.
Although LeadingAge California at the time said it was “troubled” by the veto, the organization worked directly with the tax credit allocation committee to advocate for the new policy change, which happened Dec. 5 when the committee finalized amendments to the LIHTC regulations for 2025. The association called the move a “significant step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of California’s older adults.”
LeadingAge California said the policy change underscores the importance of continued investment in affordable housing for older adults. The change also supports the first goal of the state’s Master Plan for Aging: housing for all ages and stages by providing millions of new housing options to age well.
“We are thrilled to see this critical policy change come to fruition,” LeadingAge California President and CEO Jeannee Parker Martin said in a statement. “This milestone underscores LeadingAge California’s unwavering commitment to championing the needs of older adults and advocating for meaningful solutions to address the pressing housing challenges faced by California’s aging population.”
Source: McKnights Seniorliving
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