Senate committee backs bill to fund acquisition-based preservation of affordable rentals
March 17, 2026 | California State Senate, Senate, Legislative, California
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Senator Caballero urged the Senate Standing Committee on Housing on Tuesday to approve SB 1091, a bill that would create a Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation (CAP) program in the Department of Housing and Community Development to finance and support acquisition of naturally occurring affordable rental housing.
Advocates said the program would speed preservation of low‑cost units and prevent displacement. "Acquisition preservation is a critical tool in the state's housing toolbox," Justine Marcus, state and local policy director at Enterprise Community Partners, told the committee, saying CAP was modeled on successful local efforts and the state's Golden State Acquisition Fund.
Carla Guerra, policy and advocacy senior manager at the Unity Council, described a 2020 purchase of an 80‑unit portfolio in East Oakland that preserved affordability for 55 years and said lack of dedicated preservation funding blocks similar opportunities. "SB 1091 allows organizations like ours to step in when housing is at risk — to preserve homes, stabilize communities and keep families together," she said.
Members questioned funding and market effects. Senator Trovo asked whether CAP would rely on a proposed 2026 affordable housing bond; Caballero said the bill's language is being negotiated for inclusion in the bond and that the program could also be funded from the general fund. Trovo raised a concern that government acquisition might push up prices; the author responded that CAP targets "naturally affordable" properties and uses public investment to keep them below market rates rather than displacing private purchasers.
The bill’s author and several senators framed CAP as part of a three‑part strategy of production, renter protection and preservation, noting acquisition can be faster and cheaper per unit than new construction. Committee Chair Senator Jesse Adegine said the measure would establish the program but that implementation would depend on subsequent appropriations.
The committee voted to pass SB 1091 to the Judiciary Committee. Recorded committee action: passed out of committee on a 10‑0 vote.
Advocates said the program would speed preservation of low‑cost units and prevent displacement. "Acquisition preservation is a critical tool in the state's housing toolbox," Justine Marcus, state and local policy director at Enterprise Community Partners, told the committee, saying CAP was modeled on successful local efforts and the state's Golden State Acquisition Fund.
Carla Guerra, policy and advocacy senior manager at the Unity Council, described a 2020 purchase of an 80‑unit portfolio in East Oakland that preserved affordability for 55 years and said lack of dedicated preservation funding blocks similar opportunities. "SB 1091 allows organizations like ours to step in when housing is at risk — to preserve homes, stabilize communities and keep families together," she said.
Members questioned funding and market effects. Senator Trovo asked whether CAP would rely on a proposed 2026 affordable housing bond; Caballero said the bill's language is being negotiated for inclusion in the bond and that the program could also be funded from the general fund. Trovo raised a concern that government acquisition might push up prices; the author responded that CAP targets "naturally affordable" properties and uses public investment to keep them below market rates rather than displacing private purchasers.
The bill’s author and several senators framed CAP as part of a three‑part strategy of production, renter protection and preservation, noting acquisition can be faster and cheaper per unit than new construction. Committee Chair Senator Jesse Adegine said the measure would establish the program but that implementation would depend on subsequent appropriations.
The committee voted to pass SB 1091 to the Judiciary Committee. Recorded committee action: passed out of committee on a 10‑0 vote.
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