March 10, 2026
The Honorable Alex Padilla
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Padilla:
I am writing in support of the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino (HACSB) Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request for the Arrowhead Grove Inclusive Redevelopment Project – Phase V to be included in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development CDS Appropriations bill for FY 27.
HACSB serves San Bernardino County in Southern California’s Inland Empire, a region marked by economic challenges. Approximately 20.9% of residents live at or below the Federal Poverty Line, and low-income households face severe housing burdens, including substandard conditions and overcrowding. The City of San Bernardino’s 2020–2025 Consolidated Plan highlights that 67% of households are long-term renters, as the cost of a median-priced home is nearly thirteen times the median income—far exceeding the typical affordability range of three to five times.
To address local housing challenges, the City partnered with HACSB to expand access to affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Since 2016, HACSB has led the Arrowhead Grove Inclusive Redevelopment Project, transforming the former 252-unit Waterman Gardens public housing site into a 40-acre, mixed-use, mixed-income community. Once complete, Arrowhead Grove will feature 534 new housing units, commercial space, an onsite Head Start program, and a Community Center offering healthcare and supportive services.
Three phases of the project have already been completed, producing 283 units of affordable housing and 36 market-rate units. Phase IV of Arrowhead Grove will add 92 new affordable units targeting income levels at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and below. Phase V proposes to develop 130 new affordable units ranging from one to three bedrooms in size. Units will be available to households with income below 80% of the AMI.
I respectfully ask you to consider recommending the requested appropriation of $4,000,000 to the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino to fund this critically needed affordable housing project.
Sincerely,
Julie Michaels
Executive Director
Inland Action