California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Tomiquia Moss as the new Secretary of the California Housing and Homelessness Agency, following the signing of a landmark housing package and budget. This move, coupled with new housing finance reforms and a historic Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, aims to expand housing, combat homelessness, fund construction, preserve affordable housing, and boost homeownership for veterans and lower-income households.
Governor Newsom praised Moss, saying, "I’m proud to appoint Tomiquia Moss to lead the California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Tomiquia is a proven leader who understands that housing is foundational to opportunity, dignity, and economic security." Moss expressed her honor, stating she is "committed to protecting the civil rights of every Californian while accelerating housing production and strengthening our homelessness response."
Since 2019, the Newsom administration has implemented substantial policy changes, leading to notable progress. California saw the largest statewide reduction in unsheltered homelessness in 16 years, with a 9% decrease across 30 continuums of care in 2025. Federal data also indicates California led the nation in reducing unsheltered homelessness by 8,391 people, a 6.8% decline, and achieved the largest overall homeless population drop since 2009. The state also ranked first in reducing veteran, chronic, and young adult homelessness from 2023 to 2025.
The state has also addressed its housing shortage. Annual residential construction has increased by 59% since 2018, with over 682,000 homes built statewide since 2019. Streamlining laws have cut average development application to entitlement times by 57%, from 160 to 68 days in 2024. Communities have planned for 3.6 million new homes, including 1.4 million affordable units, moving California closer to meeting its long-term housing needs.
The 2026-27 State Budget funds the California Housing and Homelessness Agency, ensuring a sustained focus on long-term solutions. The agency will coordinate efforts across government, including the Housing Development and Finance Committee, Department of Housing and Community Development, California Interagency Council on Homelessness, California Housing Finance Agency, and the Civil Rights Department, to address housing and homelessness challenges and protect civil rights.