Congressional Hispanic Caucus Hosts Housing Roundtable with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán and Vice Chair of Policy Darren Soto hosted a roundtable on housing with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations Dr. Kimberly A. McClain, members of House Democratic leadership, CHC members, and community stakeholders from various parts of the country.
During the roundtable, attendees discussed initiatives to secure affordable housing, provide access to homeownership, and lower rental costs for Latinos. The Biden-Harris administration has prioritized historically underserved communities through equitable development, increased access to affordable housing, and avoiding building in areas with contaminated water and increased pollution.
“Americans, including Latinos, continue to feel the burden of scarce affordable and accessible housing options in their communities,” said Chair Barragán. “I am proud that the Biden-Harris administration partnered with CHC to host a Housing Roundtable with key stakeholders from across the nation to address this issue. These conversations are critical because they help foster new legislative ideas while also identifying how we can best help address ongoing challenges to existing processes. I’m thankful to Vice Chair of Policy Soto for his work to convene this much-needed roundtable with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary McClain.”
“As the housing crisis continues hurting more and more families in Central Florida and across the country, it is critical for us to come together to discuss ways to ease the burden felt by so many. As we continue pushing for bold, transformative policies, we must not lose sight of the need for affordable and accessible housing,” said Vice Chair of Policy Soto. “I’m proud to work with CHC and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure we are highlighting the unique issues faced by Latinos and bringing their experiences to the forefront of the conversation.”
“Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris administration, HUD has remained committed to providing access to affordable, fair, and safe housing and homeownership opportunities for the Hispanic community,” said Assistant Secretary McClain. “I am happy to have joined Congressman Soto, Chair Barragán, Rep. Ramirez, and the CHC delegation to meet with stakeholders and pave the way for equitable housing solutions. We look forward to our continued partnership and discussion with you all.”
In addition to Chair Barragán and Vice Chair of Policy Soto, the following Members of Congress were present at the roundtable:
- Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu
- Rep. Chuy García
- Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández
- Rep. Delia Ramirez
The roundtable was also attended by the following community stakeholders:
- UnidosUS – Laura Arce, SVP for Economic Initiatives
- National Low Income Housing Coalition – Sidney Betancourt, Project Manager for Inclusive Community Engagement
- The MAAC Project – Arnulfo Manriquez, President & CEO
- Raza Development Fund – Adrian Ruiz, Chief Investment Officer
- Airbnb – Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Chair, Airbnb Housing Council
- Federal Home Loan Bank San Francisco – Jeremy Empol, SVP Public Affairs
- Palenque LSNA – Juliet de Jesus Alejandre, Executive Director
- Prosperity Now – Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, Director of Policy
- UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute – Cesar Montoya, Senior Policy Analyst
- The Resurrection Project – Kristen Komara, VP of Full Circle Homes
- NAHREP – Jason Riveiro, Executive Director
- MEDA – Luis Granados, Executive Director
- Habitat for Humanity, Los Angeles – Patrick Sunpanich, Senior Director of Government Affairs
- Southwest Organizing Project – Imelda Salazar, Organizer
- Iniciativa Acción Puertorriqueña (Puerto Rican Action Initiative) – Jimmy Torres-Velez, Executive Director
- Fannie Mae – Katrina Jones, VP of Housing
- Penny Lane Centers – Maura M. Johnson, Director of Housing
- The Urban Institute – Janneke Ratcliff, VP of Finance Policy Center
To access the livestream of the roundtable, please click here.
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