Tia Boatman Patterson is president and CEO of the California Community Reinvestment Corp. (CCRC), a vital source in financing the development and preservation of affordable housing in the state.
Patterson stepped into her role in 2022 after serving as associate director of housing, treasury, and commerce in the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. Earlier, she served as executive director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
The affordable housing industry veteran discusses her career, the recent Los Angeles fires, and more.
How did you get started in affordable housing?
My journey into affordable housing was shaped by both personal experience and professional exposure. Growing up, I saw firsthand how access to stable housing could change the trajectory of a family. My mother, a single parent, was able to buy a home through a first-time home buyer program in the 1970s, something that was only made possible because of changes in federal law allowing single women to obtain mortgages in their own names. That experience instilled in me a deep understanding of how housing policy directly impacts people’s lives.
Professionally, I began my career in public service, working as a special assistant to four speakers of the California State Assembly. That role exposed me to the legislative side of housing policy and fueled my passion for ensuring that all families—especially those in underserved communities—have access to stable, affordable housing. My legal background and my time as general counsel for the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency only reinforced my commitment to tackling California’s housing challenges head-on.
What was a pivotal moment in your career?
One of the most defining moments of my career was being appointed executive director of CalHFA. That position allowed me to implement statewide policies, significantly expand loan production, and introduce innovative financing tools that made affordable housing more accessible.Another pivotal moment was serving as associate director of housing, treasury, and commerce at the White House. Working on national housing policy at a time of economic uncertainty reinforced the importance of strategic policymaking and cross-sector collaboration in addressing housing challenges on a broad scale.
What did you learn while working in the White House and state government?
In the White House, I learned that policymaking is a balance between vision and pragmatism. Good policy isn’t just about ambition—it’s about ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to create real, sustainable impact. I saw how national policies must be designed to work at the state and local levels to be truly effective.
In state government, particularly as senior housing adviser to Gov. Gavin Newsom, I navigated California’s highly complex housing ecosystem. That experience reinforced the need for public-private partnerships to scale housing solutions. I also learned that to drive meaningful change, leaders must actively listen to the communities affected by housing policies—not just the policymakers creating them.
What are you and CCRC working on this year?
At CCRC, our focus this year is on expanding financing solutions that accelerate affordable housing development across California. We’re launching innovative lending programs to support public initiatives that help developers build faster while ensuring long-term affordability.
We’re also prioritizing reinvestment in historically underserved communities, working closely with local governments and nonprofit organizations to close financing gaps. Our goal is to create more opportunities for families to access stable housing, especially in areas where affordable options are dwindling.
How will the Los Angeles fires impact affordable housing in California and/or the work of CCRC?
Natural disasters like the recent fires in Los Angeles only intensify California’s housing crisis, displacing vulnerable residents and reducing an already scarce housing supply. At CCRC, we are committed to supporting the rebuilding efforts, ensuring that new housing developments in affected areas prioritize both affordability and resilience.
This includes advocating for policies that streamline rebuilding processes and securing funding for fire-resistant, sustainable housing. Disasters like these are a stark reminder that housing policy must also be climate policy—we need to build smarter, more resilient communities to protect the most vulnerable.
Proudest recent moment?
Nothing compares to seeing families move into safe, stable homes that were once just a vision on paper. Increasing access to affordable housing financing is a complex challenge, but every completed project is a victory.
Beyond that, I take immense pride in mentoring the next generation of housing leaders. Investing in people—helping them grow into the change makers our communities need—is just as rewarding as building the housing itself.
Who inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by the advocates, community leaders, and housing professionals who work tirelessly to create solutions for families in need. These are the people fighting every day to make affordable housing a reality, despite the obstacles. Their passion fuels my own commitment to this work.
What’s your hidden talent or something people might not know about you?
Not sure about a hidden talent, but I do love country-western music and line dancing. I dreamed of being a country-western singer as a kid.
Advice for others looking to move up to the next level in affordable housing:
Affordable housing is a multifaceted industry—it requires expertise in finance, policy, development, and community engagement. The more you understand how these pieces connect, the better equipped you’ll be to lead.
Build strong relationships. This work isn’t done in a silo—it requires collaboration across sectors. Stay informed about emerging industry trends and always be an advocate for innovation. Most important, stay grounded in the mission: ensuring that every person has access to safe, affordable housing.
