September 2022

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has awarded $179 million to developers of affordable supportive housing in 37 communities across California from the No Place Like Home Program funded by the voter-approved 2018 Proposition 2. The awards mark the first funding from the program that has gone directly to developers.

Along with funding released in March to the counties of Santa Clara, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, which are administering their own competitive funding programs, some $508 million has been committed to achieving the No Place Like Home Program’s goals.

“These funds are serving to address many of the challenges around homelessness like mental health while promoting healthy communities of opportunity,” said HCD Director Ben Metcalf. “We all deserve a good and secure home and we have an enormous opportunity with this program to change the lives of some of our most vulnerable Californians.”

The round of awards announced today will enable projects in the 37 communities listed below to move toward construction, allowing approximately 2,100 households the long-term support and stability they require to permanently exit homelessness.

HCD is also extending significant technical assistance to its local governmental partners to aid systems change and capacity building. More information can be found on HCD’s Technical Assistance webpage or by emailing HomelessnessTA@hcd.ca.gov.

Another round of competitive No Place Like Home program funding is slated to be announced in the fall of 2019.

Enacted in 2016, the No Place Like Home Program provides $2 billion in bond funds to support the development of permanent supportive housing for people with a serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness. The bonds will be repaid by funding from California’s Mental Health Services Act as a result of voters’ passage of Proposition 2 in 2018.

For additional information and questions regarding No Place Like Home, please visit the NPLH web page or email NPLH@hcd.ca.gov.

No Place Like Home Program Funding Awards

$179 Million Awarded - June 19, 2019

(Alphabetized by County)

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has awarded more than $402 million from an innovative state program to 25 new community development projects around the state. Each project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help more Californians live closer to the things they need every day, such as jobs, grocery stores, health care facilities, and more.

By integrating affordable homes with walking, biking, and transit use, the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program makes it easier for Californians to drive less.

This round of awards marks an important milestone for the AHSC program, which will surpass $1 billion of investment to support more than 100 projects in communities across the state.

To date, awards made through this competitive Cap-and-Trade funded grant program will avoid more than 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking more than 15,000 cars off the road each year. Over four rounds, the program has awarded funding for the construction of nearly 9,500 homes, more than 8,500 of which are affordable for Californians who struggle to make ends meet.

“The AHSC program is a great model for sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits all Californians,” said Kate Gordon, Chair of the Strategic Growth Council and Director of the Office of Planning and Research. “At a time when the state is struggling with spiraling housing costs, these projects will provide much-needed affordable homes that are also near transit and jobs, helping to improve the overall quality of life for residents. These projects truly are a win-win for the future of our state.”

“This effort promotes public health by removing barriers to active transportation and improving air quality, while also supporting residents by providing them with the economic stability they need to live healthy lives,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, SGC Councilmember and Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. “The 700 units of supportive housing made possible by these awards will help those who are struggling with mental health and chronic homelessness to get the services they need.”

“We’re thrilled to see the AHSC program support another set of exceptional projects,” said Louise Bedsworth, SGC’s Executive Director. “These projects will provide more housing and transportation options for Californians, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With this set of awards, the AHSC program will have invested over $1 billion in communities around the state. We are especially encouraged to see more communities benefit from AHSC investments, especially those that have not yet benefited from AHSC. This is a testament to their hard work and the value of our technical assistance program, which helps communities to apply to the program.”

"Imagine living close to where you work because the rents are affordable, and suddenly you can reduce your commute from an hour or two down to fifteen or twenty minutes,” said Ben Metcalf, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). “Immediately, you not only have an affordable home, you also have more time for your family and friends; more time to help your children with their homework; more time to connect with others in your community; more time to relax and recharge before the next day’s work. These are true, life-changing impacts, and — at the same time — we’re improving the air quality for all Californians.”

The list of staff recommended projects that were approved by the Council today is available on the Strategic Growth Council's website. When completed, the developments will provide more than 2,500 new homes affordable to Californians with modest incomes.

The AHSC program is administered by the SGC in coordination with HCD and the California Air Resources Board. The program is a key part of the California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Learn more on the SGC’s Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities and the California Climate Investments webpages.

The California Strategic Growth Council brings together state agencies and departments to coordinate and work collaboratively to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians. More information on the SGC can be found at www.sgc.ca.gov and on LinkedIn and Twitter at @CalSGC.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development is dedicated to the preservation and expansion of safe and affordable housing, so more Californians have a place to call home. Our team works to ensure an adequate supply of housing for Californians and promotes the growth of strong communities through its leadership, policy, and program development. For more information, visit www.hcd.ca.gov and follow us on Twitter, @California_HCD and Facebook, @CaliforniaHCD.

SACRAMENTO — The state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced that the city of Fillmore now has a housing plan (“Housing Element”) certified by HCD to comply with state housing law. Fillmore is the sixth city to regain compliance this year.

In response to Governor Newsom’s meetings with mayors earlier this year, Fillmore has taken necessary steps to comply with state Housing Element law. Fillmore has recently approved 77 affordable apartment homes and more than 100 new townhomes, in addition to review of a large housing subdivision and a look at innovate approaches to converting churches and schools into housing.

“Fillmore is a great example of what can happen with hard work and a strong partnership between state and local governments,” said HCD Director Ben Metcalf. “Fillmore has demonstrated the positive impact that can occur in California communities that prioritize housing solutions.”

“I want to thank the HCD and city staff for working together to bring our Housing Element into compliance,” said Diane McCall, Mayor of Fillmore. “HCD staff was very supportive and city staff worked tirelessly to bring us into compliance. We look forward to working with them in the future.”

Fillmore also plans to tap into new state resources to help the city better plan for its future housing needs, for example, using planning grants from the state to help streamline housing approvals and speed up housing production.

A record 86 percent of California’s cities and counties have submitted state mandated annual progress reports on housing for 2018, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). But the vast majority are not building enough housing to meet their planning targets.

Due each April, the annual progress reports reflect back on the previous year’s data to show how well jurisdictions are performing in meeting the housing needs within their communities. With the passage of Senate Bill 35 in 2017, cities and counties that don’t turn in annual progress reports are automatically required to provide a streamlined approval process for new housing developments.

“We’re pleased that nearly 90 percent of cities and counties have turned in reports, up from 50 percent just a few years ago,” Said HCD Director Ben Metcalf. “But the numbers show only 16 of California’s 539 jurisdictions, or three percent, are on pace to build enough housing at all income levels to meet their planning targets. And when it comes to lower-income housing, only 29, or about five percent, are meeting their goals.”

Using figures from the annual progress reports, HCD released an updated list showing which California cities and counties are subject to streamlined housing approvals for certain housing projects under Senate Bill 35.

HCD offers an online interactive map that allows users to quickly view detailed data for each jurisdiction, including whether or not the city or county:

• Has an HCD-approved housing plan (“housing element”);
• Is subject to streamlined housing approvals; and
• Has been submitting its annual progress reports.

The map also shows the number of housing permits issued to build homes affordable to people in each income category and how those permits stack up against the city/county's housing need

The following updated documents are available on HCD’s website:

• Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process (SB 35) Statewide Determination Summary — Summary of which jurisdictions are not currently subject to the streamlined ministerial approval process (SB 35 streamlining), which are currently subject to SB 35 streamlining for developments with at least 10 percent affordability, and which are currently subject to SB 35 streamlining for developments with at least 50 percent affordability.
• Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process (SB 35) Determination Methodology and Background Data — Additional detail on the determination methodology and background data.
• Housing Element Implementation Tracker — Shows detailed status of cities' and counties' housing elements, whether cities and counties have zoned enough land for housing, whether they have adequately planned for emergency shelters and housing with supportive services, and whether they have submitted their Annual Progress Reports from 2013-2018.
• 5th Cycle Annual Progress Report Permitting Summary — Shows how well cities and counties are progressing toward meeting their housing goals.

SB 35 (2017) Background

Each region’s housing need is determined every five to eight years through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process. Once the need is determined, cities and counties must show they have zoned enough land for housing to accommodate families and individuals at all income levels. These plans, known as housing elements, must be submitted to HCD for approval and incorporated into the city’s or county’s general plan. SB 35 looks beyond planning to see if cities/counties are on track to permit sufficient housing to meet their needs. When they have not, they are subject to SB 35’s streamlined approval requirements.

In order for a proposed development to qualify for expedited approval in a city or county that is subject to SB 35 streamlining, it must, among other things:

• Be located on an infill site.
• Follow residential and mixed-use zoning laws.
• Dedicate at least 10 percent of housing units for lower-income residents if the city/county has not made sufficient progress toward their above-moderate income housing need, or at least 50 percent of housing units for lower-income residents if the city/county has not made sufficient progress toward their very-low and low-income housing need.

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has awarded $128 million to help provide vulnerable Californians priced out of the rental market with a place to call home, along with supportive services they need to thrive within their communities. Seventeen new affordable housing developments will offer stable homes for 667 individuals and families across California who are experiencing homelessness.

The Supportive Housing Multifamily Housing Program provides funding for the development of multifamily rental housing that includes supportive services for homeless youth, individuals with a disability, and individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness. These stabilizing support services include: employment placement/training, education assistance, financial counseling/debt counseling, family law service, life skills, legal services, domestic violence support, and food bank/meal support services.

“A home is where your life is centered, where you raise your kids, a place you open to your loved ones. We often take for granted our own support systems that have helped us all remain stable in our own homes,” said HCD Director Ben Metcalf. “This program creates that stability for our neighbors once they have a home. These awards will help those most in need, while promoting healthy communities of opportunity.”

A list of awardees is attached.

SACRAMENTO — The state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released a survey asking for Californians — from renters, homeowners, and people experiencing homelessness to developers, real-estate professionals, elected officials, and people living in rural communities — to share their opinions on housing and community needs and challenges within their neighborhoods.

In addition to the survey, in August 2019, HCD will begin hosting focus groups in inland, central, and northern California to collect additional input. The results from both the survey and the focus groups will be used as part of a large-scale planning effort to provide context for U.S. Census data and data provided by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Californians interested in housing and community issues, particularly in rural areas, are encouraged to complete the survey (hacer la encuesta en español) by October 1, 2019.

“This survey is the first step in creating California’s five-year plan that examines the housing and community development needs throughout the state,” said Ben Metcalf, California Department of Housing and Community Development Director. “The plan also spells out how federal funds will be used to address those needs and improve the quality of life for Californians.”

Known as California’s “Consolidated Plan,” the five-year plan will be submitted to HUD and will guide how the state will spend the estimated $120 million received annually from various HUD-funded programs. Much of that funding is provided to jurisdictions that do not receive funding directly from HUD (known as “non-entitlement jurisdictions”), which are typically smaller and located in rural areas. However, some funds are available to support housing that’s affordable to Californians with lower incomes and/or special needs. When approved, the plan will allow HCD to administer funds in non entitlement areas for the following federal housing and community development program:

• Community Development Block Grant;
• Home Investment Partnerships;
• Emergency Solutions Grants;
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (administered by the California Department of Public Health).

HCD also administers the federal National Housing Trust Fund, which is partnered with Housing for a Healthy California to fund affordable homes across the state.

“You can’t achieve Governor Newsom’s vision of a ‘California for All’ without tackling the housing crisis,” said Director Metcalf. “And, as we all know, any worthwhile plan to address a challenge as big and pervasive as housing affordability has to begin with input from those who are most affected. Public participation is always step one. We’re asking Californians to weigh in and share their opinions in this survey.”

HCD is partnering with numerous statewide and regional groups to promote the survey and its importance for Californians and their communities. Dates and details for the public focus groups will be posted on HCD’s Event Calendar at the bottom of HCD’s homepage and via email announcements. To sign up to receive HCD’s email announcements, visit HCD’s homepage. On the right side of the page, click on “Email Sign up.”

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has announced awards totaling more than $2.3 million to local governments that are working to streamline housing approvals and accelerate housing production.

These are the first awards from HCD’s Planning Grants Program, which was created in 2018 as a result of Senate bill 2 (Atkins, 2017). The grants are designed to address California’s housing shortage and high housing costs by providing cities and counties financial resources to plan for housing, implement plans, and create or improve processes that result in accelerated housing approvals and production.

These first awards went to nine local governments (list of awardees follows below). The local governments will use the grants for a variety of planning documents and process improvements that increase the supply of affordable homes and apartments, while reducing costs and saving processing time.

“We’re excited to see these first grants go out the door and provide this financial support to cities and counties that are working to meet the housing needs of Californians,” said HCD Director Ben Metcalf. “The team at HCD is highly focused on providing proactive support to local jurisdictions, so they are well-positioned for success as they apply for funds.”

All 539 cities and counties in California will be eligible for these non-competitive funds, provided the jurisdiction has an HCD-approved housing plan (“Housing Element”); has submitted their 2017 or 2018 annual progress reports, showing how the jurisdiction is pacing against their housing plan; and demonstrates in their application that grants will be used to work toward accelerated approvals and production.

HCD is providing free technical assistance to cities and counties to help them identify activities, share best-practices, and complete their applications.

“SB 2 offered the City of Redlands a great opportunity to complete the planning process currently underway to create our Transit Villages Specific Plan,” said Redlands Planning Manager Brian Foote. “It will promote mixed-use development with significant increased residential density development around each of the three planned rail stations scheduled to open in the city by 2021. The staff at HCD has been extremely helpful and has made the application process simple and easy to complete.”

“The City of Folsom is thrilled about the opportunity to use SB 2 Planning Grant funds to create a state-of-the-art permit center with modern technology and enhanced web platform,” said Folsom Community Development Director Pam Johns. “In conjunction with our new electronic permit processing and plan check systems, the new Community Development Permit Center will improve the customer experience with expedited processing and improved access to information and interaction with the plans and permit process.”

HCD is accepting applications from cities and counties on an ongoing basis through November 30, 2019. Local governments interested in applying should visit HCD’s Planning Grants Program webpage, where they will find application information and regional contacts who can provide free technical assistance to applicants.

List of Awardees

March 28, 2019 NOFA

SACRAMENTO — The state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced that the city of Claremont now has a housing plan (“Housing Element”) certified by HCD to comply with state housing law. Claremont is the seventh city to regain compliance this year.

In response to Governor Newsom’s meetings with mayors earlier this year, Claremont has taken necessary steps to comply with state Housing Element law. Specifically, Claremont recently rezoned eight acres for multifamily development, opening the potential for development of 200 affordable apartment homes for families and individuals who struggle to make ends meet. In addition, the city adopted a homeless services plan, which outlines actions the city will implement to reduce homelessness in the community.

HCD continues to work with the remaining 41 cities to bring them into compliance so that California is positioned to meet the housing needs of all.

SACRAMENTO — An interactive map showing excess state-owned property that can be used for sustainable, innovative and cost-effective housing developments has been developed by the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the creation of the map as part of Executive Order N-06-19 issued on January 15, 2019 as part of his push to create more affordable housing in California.

State properties that were under-utilized or excess to need were identified and then screened to determine which sites would be potentially suitable for affordable housing development. The screening tools included such factors as relative size, proximity to schools, transportation and amenities, and general location to determine which sites have a better chance of being successfully developed.

The resulting GIS-enabled map is searchable, fully interactive, showing each site identified in the inventory, with a “heat map” overlay indicating where housing is most needed in the state. Not every property on the map will be developed, it simply shows properties that have potential.

In September 2019, DGS, in consultation with HCD, will begin issuing Requests for Proposals to begin developing affordable housing at selected sites. Developing entities would receive a long-term ground lease from the state and would build, own and manage the housing they develop, subject to oversight from the state.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development has announced that more than $3 million in SB 2 planning grant money and nearly $22 million in Community Development Block Grant money has been awarded recently. In addition, two cities have come into compliance with state Housing Element law and one city is at risk of losing compliance.

SB 2 Planning Grants

Fourteen California cities have received a total of $3.15 million in SB 2 planning grants. (See attached list)

SB 2, the Building Homes and Jobs Act (2017) established a $75 recording fee on certain real estate documents to be used for planning grants in its first year, and for affordable homes in subsequent years. The planning grants can be used for updating local planning documents, updating zoning ordinances, conducting environmental analyses or for local improvements to expedite local planning and permitting.

Community Development Block Grants

Some $21.7 million from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has been awarded to 18 of California’s smaller cities and counties. (See attached list.)

The money will be used for a variety of activities, such as providing single- or multi-family home rehabilitation, homeownership assistance, public water improvements, fire stations, senior and children’s services, flood draining improvements and more.

HCD administers the Community Development Block Grant program for those cities with populations under 50,000 and counties with populations under 200,000 in unincorporated areas that do not directly receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Holtville, City of Imperial Come Into Housing Element Law Compliance

The cities of Holtville and the City of Imperial have become the eighth and ninth cities to come into compliance with state Housing Element law since Governor Gavin Newsom met with mayors earlier this year to address the housing affordability crisis in California.

Holtville adopted an ordinance to allow for a variety of housing types that address the housing needs for low-income families and special needs populations, including farmworkers. The City of Imperial has committed to addressing the housing needs for lower-income families through increasing densities to provide opportunities to support mixed-use development.

Pico Rivera at Risk of Losing Compliance

HCD continues to hold local jurisdictions accountable for complying with Housing Element law, and today sent a letter notifying the city of Pico Rivera they are in violation of California’s Housing Element Law. The city has failed to zone to accommodate enough units to meet is Regional Housing Needs Allocation targets. Pico Rivera has 30 days to respond to HCD’s findings before HCD will take actions to pull the city’s Housing Element compliance.

In addition, HCD is working with a handful of California jurisdictions that are at risk of falling out of compliance with state housing law, including Housing Element law, the Housing Accountability Act, Density Bonus law, no net loss requirements and potential fair housing issues.

SB 2 Planning Grants

September 18, 2019 $3.15 Million

Community Development Block Grant

September 10, 2019 $21.7 Million