SACRAMENTO, CA — In a bold move aimed at tackling California’s worsening housing crisis, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has appointed Assemblywoman Ávila Farías as co-chair of the newly formed Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability. The committee will play a central role in crafting new strategies to make housing more accessible and affordable for working families across the state.
“Housing costs are squeezing California families harder than ever,” said Farías. “I’m committed to finding bold, practical solutions that will make a real difference.”
The appointment comes as California continues to fall short of its housing goals. In 2023, the state added 115,000 new homes—but only 20,000 were deemed affordable. Experts estimate that California must build around 380,000 new homes each year to meet demand and preserve the California Dream for future generations.
Farías emphasized the need to reform outdated housing programs, remove regulatory barriers to construction, and rethink financing models in the face of high interest rates and skyrocketing costs. She pledged that the committee would be “laser-focused on high-impact strategies that work for working families.”
This housing reform effort is part of a broader push by Speaker Rivas and the State Assembly to confront the cost-of-living crisis head-on. In addition to housing, the Assembly is rolling out initiatives to expand access to child care, strengthen food assistance programs, and create a more affordable future for Californians.
“Building a California where families can thrive is my top priority,” Farías said. “I’m ready to get to work—and I’ll keep the public updated every step of the way.”
The new committee is expected to begin work immediately, bringing together lawmakers, housing experts, and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap for housing affordability.