Developers back consolidated portal but press for funding, preservation and post‑award reform

Leaders of large nonprofit and private developers told the Assembly committee they support a consolidated application and closer agency coordination but emphasized the work does not end at award.

Anne Silverberg, president and CEO of Related California, welcomed the public‑review process for the July 2026 AB 519 report and urged HDFC to ensure that projects are fully funded at award and not left with gaps that stall development. She suggested a simpler Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) that could serve as the foundation for other programs and recommended multi‑step or pre‑application approaches to reduce wasted effort from oversubscribed competitions.

Linda Bandolini of Eden Housing echoed those points and emphasized preservation, long‑term asset management and the need for steady funding streams if a bond does not pass. She cited the $11,250,000,000 bond on the ballot as an important funding source but said general‑fund allocations will also be necessary in lean years.

Tom Kalashaw of Self Help Enterprises highlighted rural delivery challenges, warned that some Super NOFA changes reduced rural access to 4% tax credits and bonds, and urged HDFC to adopt geography‑sensitive allocation approaches. Developers asked for an ongoing working group and closer, informal interactions with agency directors to improve outcomes before public hearings.