May 26, 2026
City Council
DATE: May 26, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Claudia Jimenez
Subject:
Proclamation Declaring May 2026 as Affordable Housing
Month
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Each year, jurisdictions across the Bay Area issue
proclamations declaring May as “Affordable Housing
Month.” These proclamations draw attention to the
ongoing housing affordability crisis in our region and
renew the City’s commitment to ensuring that all
community members have safe, stable, and affordable
places to call home.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION to declare the month of May 2026, as
Affordable Housing Month in the City of Richmond to draw attention to the ongoing housing affordability crisis in our region and to renew the City of Richmond’s commitment
to ensuring that all community members have safe, stable, and affordable places to call home - Councilmember
Claudia Jimenez (510-620-6565).
AGENDA
REPORT
May 26, 2026
DISCUSSION:
Each year, jurisdictions across the Bay Area issue proclamations declaring May as “Affordable Housing Month.” These proclamations draw attention to the ongoing housing affordability crisis in our region and renew the City’s commitment to ensuring that all community members have safe, stable, and affordable places to call home.
After 42 years, East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO) proudly continues to champion affordable housing in the east bay, by fostering a racially and economically just community for all , as q uality affordable homes are vital to creating healthy, safe, and racially just communities. EBHO members include many nonprofits active in the City of Richmond. East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC), Community Housing Development Corporation, Eden Housing, RichmondLAND, and Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services have all construct ed numerous deed -restricted affordable homes available to low-income residents of Richmond.
Currently, EBHO member organization Hope Solutions is supporting the development of Richmond's Tiny Village Spirit, a community of "tiny homes" paired with suppor tive services dedicating to helping 18 -24 year old residents transition out of homelessness.
EBHO staff and members are excited to continue engagement with the City in designing new and innovative programs to help produce, preserve, and protect affordable housing in Richmond.
Before the current inflation rates, increasing housing costs often results in long-time residents becoming displaced, living in overcrowded homes, or experiencing homelessness; threatening the region’s racial diversity and economic opportunity . In California there are over 39,000 affordable homes ready to be built but lacking the financing to begin construction and a $10 billion statewide bond has been proposed to fund the construction of these affordable homes. However, for two years in a row both the President and the Governor of California have proposed budgets that dramatically cut funding for affordable housing which, if actualized would reduce federal affordable housing assistance by 44%.
The role of local governments and regional bodies has never been so critical in maintaining support for producing, preserving, and protecting affordable housing opportunities for low -income communities. The h ousing affordability crisis is a regional issue requiring regional solutions and cooperation between local jurisdictions through the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority. The solution through stable and affordable housing can help to reduce and alleviate homelessness, support seniors, families, youth, veterans, immigrants, people with disabilities, and our whole community;
May 26, 2026
A proclamation declaring May 2026 as “Affordable Housing Month ” renews the City of Richmond’s commitment to work towards decisions that support affordable and stable housing at the local, regional, state, and federal levels in Richmond. It acknowledges the coordinated and regional work necessary to ensure that everyone has an affordable and stable home.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation