Kamala Harris: A Champion for Affordable Housing

Throughout her career, Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to affordable housing. From her time as California’s Attorney General to her current role as Vice President of the United States, Harris has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at protecting homeowners, supporting renters, and addressing the housing crisis facing many Americans.

One of Harris’ most significant achievements in this arena came during her tenure as California’s Attorney General. In 2013, she played a pivotal role in drafting and passing the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, a landmark piece of legislation designed to shield homeowners from unfair practices. This bill, which took effect on January 1, 2013, has since become a model for similar legislation in other states.

In addition to her legislative efforts, Harris has also been instrumental in securing financial relief for homeowners affected by the housing crisis. In 2012, she successfully negotiated an $18 billion settlement to provide relief to homeowners who had suffered losses due to wrongful foreclosures or fraud. This settlement was a significant victory for countless families struggling to keep their homes in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

Innovative Proposals to Address Housing Affordability

As a U.S. Senator, Harris continued her advocacy for affordable housing by proposing innovative solutions to the growing crisis. In 2018, she introduced the Rent Act, which sought to provide tax credits for renters earning less than $100,000 who spend over 30% of their income on rent and utilities. Recognizing the need for ongoing improvements, Harris revised this proposal in 2019, introducing changes such as monthly disbursement of tax credits and adjustments to the credit cap.

Harris’ commitment to affordable housing has only intensified since becoming Vice President. Recently, she announced $85 million in grants under the PRO Housing initiative, aimed at increasing housing supply and reducing costs for American families. This was followed by a declaration of a $5.5 billion budget allocation through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promote affordable housing, stimulate economic development, build wealth, and tackle homelessness.

Addressing Systemic Issues in Housing

Beyond financial measures, Harris has also taken steps to address systemic issues in the housing market. She has been a vocal supporter of the Biden administration’s proposal to cap rent increases at 5% for landlords with 50 or more units, a measure designed to prevent excessive rent hikes. Additionally, Harris has led efforts to combat racial bias in home appraisals, announcing key actions under the PAVE Action Plan to make it easier for homeowners to appeal undervalued appraisals. These initiatives demonstrate Harris’ comprehensive approach to housing issues, addressing both immediate affordability concerns and long-standing inequities in the housing market.