Assemblymember Solache Introduces the HHAP Pathways for Cities Act to Increase Access to State Homelessness Funding for Cities of All Sizes

Contact: Kayla Sherwood, League of California Cities, (530) 844-1744, [email protected]
Chris Mateo, Office of Assemblymember Solache, (916) 319-2062, [email protected]

SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember José Luis Solache (AD-62) recently introduced Assembly Bill 1708, legislation that would create a new pathway for small and medium-sized cities to access vital state homelessness funding to bolster the work they are already doing to support unhoused residents in their communities.

AB 1708, the HHAP Pathways for Cities Act, would create a new opportunity for the 469 cities with a population under 300,000 - that meet clear accountability requirements - to apply for funding from the state's flagship Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Grant Program through their Continuum of Care (CoC). Commonly referred to as HHAP, the program, since 2019, has provided direct funding only to cities with populations over 300,000, all 58 counties, and the 44 CoCs across California.

"To effectively serve unhoused Californians, we must empower communities with the investments needed to meet this moment with compassion and deliver local solutions," said Assemblymember Solache. "AB 1708 will provide an equitable pathway for all cities to access critical state homelessness funding."

The League of California Cities is a proud sponsor of the bill. Cities throughout the state are investing their own General Fund revenues to prevent and reduce homelessness in their communities, but many do not currently have direct access to HHAP funding. Prioritizing small and medium-sized cities as HHAP subrecipients would bolster their efforts and enable more people to access services and safe, affordable housing.

"Cities of all sizes are investing their own limited local dollars to connect our unhoused residents to services and housing, but without the state as a strong funding partner, their efforts are not sustainable," said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. "AB 1708 gives every city an opportunity to leverage state resources to maximize the work they are doing in their communities. Cal Cities is proud to sponsor this important measure."

According to a 2024 Cal Cities survey, nearly 90% of cities are investing their own general fund revenues to address homelessness, and 60% of cities have been unable to access HHAP funding as subrecipients. Nine in 10 cities are concerned about sustaining existing homelessness services over the long term, and 81% say inconsistent state funding has hindered their ability to address homelessness.

"Bellflower is investing millions of general fund dollars in emergency housing, outreach services, and the maintenance of clean and safe public spaces, but is unable to access HHAP funding directly simply due to our population size," said Bellflower Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines. "Expanding equitable and accountable access to HHAP funding would support cities like Bellflower in delivering locally informed solutions to our unique challenges and maximizing the impact of state homelessness investments."

Cities of all sizes are committed to addressing the homelessness crisis. AB 1708 would strengthen the partnership between the state and California's cities to help ensure state investments continue to deliver measurable results.

"Cities like Paramount see the human impact of homelessness every day, but local funding alone is not enough to meet the challenge before us," said Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons. "This bill is essential to giving smaller cities a fair and accountable pathway to HHAP funding so we can sustain critical services and deliver real results for our unhoused neighbors."

Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials.

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