The department is the principal state department responsible for coordinating federal-state relationships in housing and community development, except for housing finance. The department is the principal state department responsible for implementation of the California Statewide Housing Plan. The department shall continually evaluate the impact upon the state of federal policies and programs affecting housing and community development and encourage full utilization of federal programs available for assisting the residents of this state, the private housing industry, and local public entities in satisfying housing and community development needs in this state. The department shall encourage and assist housing and community development in rural areas and among Indian residents of the state. The department shall encourage mutual self-help projects, home management training, and relocation assistance. The department shall promote maximum utilization of federal subsidies available to meet housing needs of very low income households and other persons and families of low or moderate income, or both. The department shall assist communities and persons to avail themselves of state housing programs.

(Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 675, Sec. 2.)