On November 4th, Assemblymember Grayson (Concord) arrived in Fresno for the first of four convenings, which brought together 20+ local leaders, including representatives from cities and counties, flood control districts, fire protection districts, economic development organizations, and both market-rate and affordable housing developers like Habitat for Humanity.
Glenda Hill, Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Board President; Assemblymember Tim Grayson; Matthew Grundy, Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno CEO at the site of a Habitat build
The inspiration for these programs came from a report released this year by UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation took an in-depth look at just how impact fees charged by local agencies affect our ability to build.
The report, initiated by Assemblymember Tim Grayson’s AB 879 passed in 2018, concluded that as housing costs continue to rise, a comprehensive approach to fee reform is appropriate and necessary. To understand how fee reforms are best implemented to help communities build the housing they need, yet not sacrifice the vital services reasonable fees help fund, the Assemblyman, with the help of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, is hosting roundtable discussions across the state.
Glenda Hill (above), Matthew Grundy (above), Assemblymember Tim Grayson; Cary Catalano, Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Director of Development; Susan Good, Catalano Fenske and Associates.
Assemblymember Grayson was joined by Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau and staff members from other local elected representatives to hear stakeholders share the challenges and opportunities in the Fresno area. He continues his listening tour with additional events in Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego throughout November.