The Fresno County Assessor-Recorder has emphasized the importance of affordable housing in the region, referencing a significant need for new homes to accommodate population growth. According to Tim Sheehan’s February 2025 report, Fresno must construct 37,000 new homes by 2031, with lower-income families representing the largest share of this demand.
To address this challenge, Senate Bill 2 was enacted by the California Legislature in 2017. The law established a $75 fee on each real estate document recorded in the state. These fees are intended to provide ongoing funding for affordable housing initiatives throughout California. The Assessor-Recorder stated that collecting these fees accurately and according to legal requirements is essential for supporting local residents.
The Fresno County Council of Governments oversees the Regional Need Housing Allocation Plan (RHNA), while projections from the California Housing and Community Development Department indicate that approximately 58,298 housing units will be needed in Fresno County by 2031. Meeting this goal depends on securing adequate funding from sources such as those generated by SB2.
Once collected at the county level, these fees are transferred to the State Controller and deposited into the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund. This fund is managed by the California Housing and Community Development Department and supports several programs: Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program, Mixed Income Multifamily Rental Program, Production Incentive Program, and Farmworker Housing Program—all aimed at increasing affordable housing options in areas like Fresno County.
“My commitment is to support diligent collection of these state-mandated fees, which help expand affordable housing across both urban and rural Central Valley communities. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the American promise of opportunity is accessible to all, and affordable housing is vital to that promise. I call on my peers throughout California to ensure proper collection of these fees so more families have the chance to find homes. Together, we can foster affordable housing in every community we serve.”
The Assessor-Recorder concluded with a reference to John Mellencamp’s song: “…Ain’t that America, for you and me…”—highlighting a shared responsibility for making quality housing available.
