UnidosUS in California

Local advocacy on the ground

California by the numbers

2 out of 5

Latinos in the U.S. live and work in California.

20th largest

If Latinos in California were an independent nation, their GDP would be the world’s 20th largest economy.

65%

Latinos in California have the highest labor force participation rate of any racial or ethnic group.

1.9 million

Mortgage-ready Latinos aged 18-45 live in California.

Legislative testimonies

UnidosUS California state director Esmeralda López testifies before California State Assembly Standing Committee on Housing & Community Development on AB 2140.

UnidosUS California state director Esmeralda López testifies before California State Assembly on SB 1211.

UnidosUS California state director Esmeralda López testifies before California State Assembly on SB 1123.

UnidosUS supports passage of new California immigration laws.

UnidosUS California state director Esmeralda López testifies before California State Assembly on AB 1154 on July 9, 2025.

UnidosUS California state director Esmeralda López testifies before California State Assembly on AB 1154 on April 9, 2025.

Advocacy highlights

AB 595 “Building Homeownership for All” Program

AB 595 will create affordable homeownership opportunities for working families. California YIMBY joined Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale), and their fellow co-sponsors California Community Builders and UnidosUS, to announce AB 595, which seeks to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for moderate-income Californians and communities of color by creating a new tax credit for homebuilders constructing income-restricted, for-sale homes.

AB-595 California

UnidosUS Advocacy Day

UnidosUS Advocacy Day

As part of the work with Sobrato Philanthropies the Sacramento based California State Policy and Advocacy Team hosted an advocacy day in Sacramento, CA on March 19, 2025. The goal was for the Affiliate network to call attention to the educational needs of Latino students and English Learners in the state as well as Provide tools, and support and an opportunity to engage with leaders in the legislature,

The UnidosUS Sacramento based California State Policy and Advocacy Team was joined in Sacramento by Elizabeth Zamudio, Vice President, Education and Amalia Chamorro, Director, Education Policy Project.

Homeownership conference

Homeownership Conference

UnidosUS and California Community Builders is hosted a free housing and homeownership convening in Sacramento, California.

A day filled with insightful panels, expert speakers, and networking opportunities. The goal of the event was to create space for discussion and collaboration related to opportunities and challenges facing homeownership in California in 2025 and beyond.

California resources

Homes in San Francisco

Latinos form a critical part of the California economy and are a significant source of economic activity.

September 30, 2024

CaliforniaHomeHome Ownership Means EquityHousingand 1 more tag

State team

State team

Esmeralda López

Esmeralda López headshot 450x450

California State Director

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