Effective July 1, 2013, the Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 2012 created the Secretary for Business, Consumer Services, and Housing. The 2013-14 Business and Housing responsibilities of the Secretary for Business, Transportation, and Housing is merging into this Secretary. 2011-12 and 2012-13 budget information for Business and Housing responsibilities are displayed in the Secretary for Business, Transportation, and Housing (Organization Code 0520). In addition, the 2013-14 Consumer Services responsibilities of the Secretary for State and Consumer Services is merging into this Secretary. 2011-12 and 2012-13 budget information for Consumer Services responsibilities are displayed in the Secretary for State and Consumer Services (Organization Code 0510).

The mission of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency is to assist and educate consumers regarding the licensing, regulation, and enforcement of professionals and businesses in California. The Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 2012 provided for the consolidation of entities that license industries, business activities, and professionals. This consolidation will improve service, consistency and efficiency by facilitating shared administrative functions and expertise in areas such as automated systems, investigative practices, and licensing and legal processes. The Agency also provides a central location for the public to find information about entities regulating the businesses and professionals with whom they come into direct contact. The Agency is comprised of the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Department of Business Oversight, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, the California Horse Racing Board, and the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission.