Governor Newsom Appoints Vishesh Anand, Dhakshike Wickrema to California Housing Agency

The appointments were announced on Monday, filling senior positions in the agency created earlier this year to coordinate the state's response to housing affordability and homelessness.

Anand, who previously served as a policy advisor in the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, will advise on housing policy and legislative strategy. Wickrema, a former deputy director at the California Department of Housing and Community Development, will oversee the state's homelessness programs and coordinate with local governments.

The CHHA was established by executive order in January, consolidating functions from several departments to streamline efforts. Both appointees bring experience in state government, with Anand having worked on housing issues since 2019 and Wickrema on homelessness since 2017.

Newsom said in a statement that the pair's expertise will help the state 'deliver results' on its $12 billion housing and homelessness package. The agency is tasked with producing 2.5 million new homes by 2030 and reducing homelessness by 15% annually.