April 2026
Dear Gubernatorial Candidates,
Housing is at the top of every campaign agenda, and for good reason: As a result of California’s limited housing supply, Californians are struggling with the most unaffordable housing markets in the nation. But words alone will not solve this crisis. Leadership matters, especially leadership that understands housing from the inside out.
As someone who has spent decades working with homebuilders, developers, and communities across California, and as an insurance expert familiar with risk, safety, and long-term cost impacts, I want to share guidance for turning your housing priorities into meaningful results.
- Keep housing costs low.
Every bill that adds cost, whether through fees, mandates, or delays, makes homes and homeownership less attainable. Any legislation that materially increases the cost of housing should be met with a clear commitment that it will face a veto. A simple statement of, “Don’t waste my time with misguided bills that increase the cost of housing, period!” Remain vigilant to oppose measures that increase labor costs like prevailing wage or add regulations. New York and Illinois do not add these costs and they support Labor. - Reevaluate environmental and regulatory policies that raise home prices.
California is already decades ahead of other states when it comes to energy efficiency building codes and safety standards. In 2025, policymakers were smart to temporarily pause new updates to California’s stringent building codes, allowing suppliers, inspectors, and builders to fully implement existing building requirements while maintaining safety. As someone who understands both construction and insurance, I can tell you that thoughtful safety regulations matter, but duplicative, overly complex, or expensive mandates only make housing less attainable. Our next state leader should ensure that requirements such as Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), density restrictions, and lengthy permitting processes are reevaluated for their impact on affordability and eliminated if they are standing in the way of the production of needed homes. - Reward communities that build housing.
Cities and counties that actively approve new housing should be financially rewarded. Communities that embrace smart growth and reduce barriers to development should see tangible state government benefits, while those that block new housing should face accountability. - Lead the conversation in Sacramento.
You will not solve California’s housing crisis alone. Your ability to communicate clearly to the legislature, and to signal your opposition to cost-increasing measures is essential. Bold, consistent leadership on this issue is what will create real progress. Select people in your administration that have expertise in all types of housing; condominiums, legally defined affordable housing, entry-level first-time homeownership, apartments and multi-family. Yes, we need “Housing for All”.
On a personal note, 2 of our 3 children have chosen to leave California and start their careers and their families in Texas. I know that Texas makes Democrats’ skin crawl, but the City of Portland, TX just put a moratorium on housing impact fees. Get over the petty political banter and try common-sense things to solve this self-inflicted policy problem!
Housing affordability is not a partisan issue, it’s a California issue that requires leadership from all parties. We urge you to work closely with those who know how to build housing efficiently and responsibly and combine a vision of housing for all with practical solutions that produce the homes that Californians need. Californians are counting on leaders who can turn good intentions into homes people can actually afford, start families, build personal wealth and achieve the California and American Dream.
Sincerely,
Dan Dunmoyer
President & CEO
California Building Industry Association