Statement on County Housing Report
Maria Chen issued a statement today responding to the County's annual housing report, which showed continued increases in housing costs.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Maria Chen, candidate for Riverside County Board of Supervisors, District 3, issued the following statement in response to the County’s annual housing report released today:
“Today’s housing report confirms what residents have been telling me for months: housing costs continue to rise while wages remain stagnant. Working families are being squeezed, and too many are being forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.
“The report shows that housing costs in Riverside County increased by 8% last year, far outpacing wage growth. Meanwhile, the county added fewer affordable housing units than in any year in the past decade.
“This is unacceptable. We need leadership that will take bold action to address this crisis—not just talk about it.
“As County Supervisor, I will:
- Push for zoning reforms that allow more housing types
- Streamline permitting for affordable housing developments
- Fight for tenant protections that prevent unjust evictions
- Work with state and federal partners to maximize funding
“Housing affordability is not just an economic issue—it’s a fundamental question of whether working families can continue to live in the communities they’ve called home for generations. I’m running to make sure they can.”
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Media Contact: Sarah Johnson Press Secretary press@mariachen2026.com