Pasadena Lawmaker to Co-Chair New State Housing Finance Committee

Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) has been appointed to co-chair a newly formed select committee focused on addressing California’s housing affordability crisis, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas announced Thursday.

Harabedian will lead the Select Committee on Housing Finance alongside Assemblymember Avila Farias as part of a broader Assembly initiative to tackle housing affordability through focused, forward-thinking action.

“Housing is not just about shelter—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity. I’m proud to Co-Chair the Select Committee on Housing Finance, which will explore bold, forward-thinking strategies to address the structural barriers driving California’s housing crisis. I thank Speaker Rivas for his bold leadership in creating space for this work. We have a chance to reimagine what’s possible, and to build a future where every Californian has a place to call home,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena).

The committee will focus on identifying practical, innovative ways to improve how California finances affordable housing. From exploring new models like public-private partnerships to evaluating existing tools such as tax credits and housing bonds, the committee will work to shape policy solutions that expand access to housing and ensure long-term affordability across the state.

“We can’t afford to leave any housing solutions on the sidelines,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said. “This Select Committee will take a hard look at how we finance affordable housing in California, and identify essential, scalable strategies that reflect today’s economic reality.”

The committee plans to engage with housing experts, lenders, developers and advocates to develop its recommendations.

Harabedian represents the 41st District, which includes La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.