Newsom to devote $101 million to jumpstart rebuilding efforts after LA fires

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced $101 million in new funding designated to help rebuild multifamily rental affordable housing in areas of Los Angeles that were destroyed six months ago by the wildfires.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) is releasing the funding through an existing program with the goal of “expediting and expanding opportunities to build affordable housing for low-income residents,” according to Tomiquia Moss, secretary of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

“Los Angeles has taken significant steps to rebuild after January’s fires, but the devastation is significant and there remains a long road ahead. Thousands of families – from Pacific Palisades to Altadena to Malibu – are still displaced and we owe it to them to help,” Newsom said in a statement Tuesday.

“The funding we’re announcing today will accelerate the development of affordable multifamily rental housing so that those rebuilding their lives after this tragedy have access to a safe, affordable place to come home to,” he added.

Affordable housing developers can use a single application to apply to multiple funding programs through HCD’s Multifamily Finance Super NOFA (MFSN).

HCD previously announced a $382 million MFSN for affordable multifamily rental housing throughout the state, and a separate $50 million designated for a tribal MFSN. The latest “MFSN-LA Disaster NOFA,” announced Tuesday, is dedicated to LA fire recovery.

HCD’s press release stated that it would prioritize applications for projects located near wildfire burn areas, ready to begin construction immediately, and include a resident preference for households displaced by the Los Angeles County wildfires.

“By prioritizing affordable housing projects that are ready to go, these funds will accelerate household stability, climate and health outcomes in communities,” Moss said.

HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez praised the department’s efforts, saying it “has taken a program built on efficiency and further refined it specifically to help the Los Angeles region rebuild from unimaginable tragedy.”

“Our team has gone above and beyond to ensure this program is designed to provide housing stability for fire-displaced families as quickly as possible,” Velasquez added.

The announcement on Tuesday comes one day after Newsom marked six months since the Eaton and Palisades wildfires and called for billions in federal funding to help the state’s recovery.