California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency

The meeting agenda includes a call to order with a tribal land acknowledgment, opening comments from the Advisory Committee co-chairs, and updates from the executive officer. Key business items involve the discussion and action regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 months of awareness and a discussion on proposed state legislation. The meeting will conclude with a general public comment period and final closing remarks.

The committee discussed updates regarding the state response to federal circumstances and HUD funding, including the impact of federal instability on homelessness efforts and the role of HHAP grantees. The meeting covered the restructuring of the Business and Consumer Services Agency into the new California Housing and Homeless Agency, operational as of July 1, 2026. Additionally, the committee reviewed new housing initiatives through Medi-Cal, specifically the introduction of Transitional Rent as a community support for eligible individuals, and examined data regarding homelessness trends in California.

The meeting commenced with a tribal land acknowledgment. Key discussion points included updates on federal litigation concerning HUD COC NOFO and the mixed status rule that jeopardizes stable housing. The council also celebrated significant achievements, such as the announcement of HAP round six awards, support for over 330,000 people through the HAP program, and the housing of over 90,000 individuals. Progress on the Homekey Plus program, totaling 2,260 affordable homes, was highlighted. Furthermore, updates were provided on the agency reorganization, which will establish the California Housing and Homelessness Agency, and the integration of the Civil Rights department. Executive Officer updates covered the state auditor's high-risk report and the ongoing AB799 implementation, including a scheduled demonstration. The progress in reducing unsheltered homelessness by 9% statewide was acknowledged, alongside efforts related to the Care Act for individuals with psychotic disorders.

The meeting included discussions and actions concerning safety in quarter-horse racing, specifically regarding injury reduction efforts and requirements for intra-articular injections prior to trial races at Los Alamitos Race Course. The Board voted to establish a maximum racing and working age of 10 for horses (except Standardbreds) and a maximum age of 6 for maidens. Furthermore, the Board renewed mini-satellite licenses for two locations for a five-year period, approved amendments to drug classification rules and penalties to align with international guidelines, and approved changes to CHRB licensing fees, which included a modest increase not adjusted since 1989. Finally, the Board authorized the distribution of charity proceeds by the Los Angeles Turf Club.

The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting to address 2026 dates allocations in Northern California. The Board denied both requests for 2026 racing dates by a 4-2 vote. The first request, from the Tehama District Fair, was rejected due to facility deficiencies, including the lack of essential components like a tote board, jockeys room, and adequate stalls, indicating it was unprepared for a race meet. The second request, from the Humboldt County Fair, was also rejected, primarily due to financial concerns regarding the potential diversion of an estimated $2 million from Southern California racing interests, which stakeholders argued could accelerate the exodus of horses from the state.