2026 Newsletter Masthead

Bringing you updates on legislation, policy, and other news relating to middle-income and affordable housing, homelessness, and sustainable communities.

SEPTEMBER 2026

FEDERAL UPDATES

by Jennifer LeSar

Founder and CEO

LeSar Portfolio of Firms

Courts Push Back on Changes to Federal Housing and Homelessness Programs

Federal housing and homelessness policy is increasingly being shaped not only by Congress and the Administration, but also by the courts.


In recent weeks, several federal courts have issued decisions limiting the Administration’s ability to alter how congressionally appropriated housing and homelessness funds are distributed or conditioned.


Taken together, these cases raise broader questions about the extent of executive authority over federal housing programs and the role of Congress and the courts in determining how those programs operate.

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STATE UPDATES

by Zack Olmstead

EVP Operations &
Business Line Oversight

LeSar Portfolio of Firms

California's 2026 Housing Legislation: What Made It to the Governor's Desk

Perhaps there has been no greater theme across the policy spectrum in 2026 than affordability. And with housing costs consuming most household budgets, it’s no surprise that elected officials and the Legislature have sought to emphasize the cost of housing within those efforts. The rising relevance of the issue even saw action from a deeply divided Congress for the first time in decades through the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.


California, to its credit, has been attempting to change the trajectory on housing and homelessness for the past decade. 2026 legislative efforts have continued this trend across common themes, still finding some fruit on the vine for a multi-faceted approach to decrease both construction cost and timelines to housing completion under a policy umbrella seeking continued progress in increasing housing production and reducing homelessness. 

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by 

Global Policy Leadership Academy Leadership Team



Celebrating One Year of Accreditation: Global Policy Leadership Academy Builds Trust, Quality, and Impact

August 2026 marked a significant milestone for the Global Policy Leadership Academy (GPLA): its first year as an Accredited Provider of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), an esteemed recognition granted by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).


If you have pursued higher education in your personal or professional journey, or are seeking additional certifications, you know the value of a vetted program.


Over the past year, GPLA has forged partnerships with Southern California organizations dedicated to excellence and quality, including The San Diego Housing Commission and The Center by Lendistry. These collaborations have helped build trust with the communities they serve and enhance their impact through accredited adult learning programs. While our participating partners have learned the anatomy of accreditation closely, we are eager to share more about this vital work and the opportunities it creates with our network.


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INDUSTRY REPORTS

Projected Transportation Impacts of California Housing Plans | Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley | August 2026


Expanding Interim Housing: Recent Trends in the Bay Area | Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley | August 2026


State of Los Angeles County Housing and Neighborhoods (SOLACHAN) 2026 | University of Southern California | August 2026




WHAT WE'RE READING

Portland’s Struggle to Advance Social Housing Gets a Temporary Boost | ShelterForce | August 27, 2026


Almost Nowhere in California Is Building Enough, According to the State. Here’s Why | CalMatters | August 11, 2026


In San Francisco, Turning Offices into Housing is a Boutique Business | San Francisco Standard | August 10, 2026


L.A. Has More Than 20,000 Vacant Lots. They Could Help Solve the City’s Housing Crisis | Los Angeles Times | August 7, 2026


For Local Governments, Full Benefits of ROAD To Housing Act Could Take Years, Analysis Shows | Smart Cities Dive | August 6, 2026


Why Insurance Matters to Renters, Landlords And California | CalMatters | August 6, 2026


As Costa Mesa Hunts For Housing Sites, College District Offers Up Parcels for Rezoning | Los Angeles Times | August 5, 2026


Homelessness has Dropped 57% on Metro System Since 2024, Count Finds | Los Angeles Times | August 5, 2026


California House Democrats Tout New Law to Boost Sacramento Housing Supply | Sacramento Bee | August 3, 2026



Affordable Housing Often Costs More to Build than MarketRate Housing – Colorado is Closing the Gap | The Conversation July 28, 2026

With a diverse range of subject matter expertise and an unwavering commitment to equity, access, and excellence, the LeSar portfolio of companies is uniquely positioned to drive the systemic changes and capacity building necessary to address the housing affordability and homelessness crises.



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