As Los Angeles begins the long process of rebuilding after recent wildfires, affordable housing providers are taking hard-earned lessons from those who have been through similar disasters, while updating emergency plans and taking steps to reinforce buildings and procedures to prepare for future wildfires.

Gov. Gavin Newsom released his January budget proposal for 2025-2026 earlier this month, marking the start of California’s annual budget process. 

Recent wildfires in LA were not isolated incidents, but rather part of a worsening pattern fueled by climate change. Despite the devastation, the fires present an opportunity for decision-makers to enact policies that ensure communities are rebuilt to better withstand future wildfires and other disasters.

Enterprise supports several key bills in this year’s California legislative session that prioritize and address skyrocketing insurance crisis, preservation, and transparency in local tax measures.

Twenty-seven governmental agencies from across the state were selected to participate in Enterprise’s newest training series, Preservation: California Public Sector Cohort.

The earlier we think about rebuilding after the wildfire—and the sooner we ensure that communities prioritize affordability, inclusivity, and resiliency—the more stable and sustainable our outlook.

Our new analysis finds that with an investment of just 4 percent of the state’s nearly $100 billion budget surplus, the state could create more than 14,000 affordable homes.