Governor signs law extending Certificate of Preference to descendants; OCII commissioners applaud

Chair Bustos told commissioners on Oct. 5 that the governor signed legislation last week extending the Certificate of Preference program so descendants of original beneficiaries can inherit preferences. The chair framed the law as an important step in addressing displacement caused by redevelopment-era projects and publicly thanked commissioners, staff and Assemblymember David Chu for their work.

Commissioner Scott reacted emotionally, saying she was moved to tears by the news and urging that the commission publicize the change at every meeting so eligible families learn of it. "That is so huge and historic that I cannot hold back," Scott said. Other commissioners welcomed the change and asked staff to post information on the commission’s website and to continue outreach to affected communities.

Chair Bustos said the law expands the program for descendants and called it a meaningful corrective to past redevelopment practices. Commissioners asked staff to follow up on notification and outreach steps so eligible descendants can exercise any new preferences created by the law.