Preservation

Protecting California’s Existing Affordable Homes

California faces a severe housing shortage, and preserving existing affordable homes is just as critical as building new ones. As of 2024, over 48,000 subsidized affordable apartments are at risk of being lost to market-rate conversion in the next decade; the figure is in the hundreds of thousands when it comes to unsubsidized affordable homes (aka naturally occurring affordable housing). The California Housing Partnership is committed to protecting people’s access to existing affordable housing by fighting to preserve the affordable housing that has already been built.

We partner with local governments, nonprofit developers, and tenant advocates across the state to identify at-risk properties and develop targeted strategies to preserve affordability. Our work ensures that vulnerable residents, including seniors, families, and people with special needs, can remain in safe, stable housing.

What We Offer

Together, we can protect California’s affordable housing and keep more residents safely housed.

  • Local Preservation Strategies Support
    Tailored support to help communities design and implement effective plans to protect affordable housing, informed by regional trends and best practices.

  • Training & Technical Assistance
    In-depth guidance for local agencies on preservation finance, planning, and tools — including pro formas, underwriting standards, and preservation action plans.

  • Preservation Database* & Mapping Tools
    We maintain the state’s most comprehensive database of subsidized affordable properties at risk and provide public access through our interactive Affordable Housing Map & Benefits Calculator, helping communities understand and advocate for preservation.

  • Policy Research Analysis
    We produce reports, data tools, and case studies to inform local, state, and federal policy decisions that support long-term affordability.

*Database access is limited to local governments and nonprofit housing partners upon request.  Contact info@chpc.net to review our Preservation Database Access Policy. For all other questions regarding at-risk affordable housing in your region, please contact Danielle M. Mazzella at dmazzella@chpc.net.