Transforming the Housing Choice Voucher System in California: A Path to Universal Housing?

In this Perspective, the authors review the impact of the housing choice voucher (HCV) program, explain shortcomings of today's HCV system, and examine the potential effects of reforms to stabilize access to affordable housing for the most-vulnerable Californians. These reforms include adopting a universal system, enhancing the system so housing leads to opportunity, and enforcing landlord participation so vouchers are as good as cash.