September 2022

The California Department of Housing and Community Development has announced that more than $4.9 million in SB 2 planning grant money has been awarded to 16 California cities and counties. In addition, two cities have come into compliance with state Housing Element law.

SB 2 Planning Grants

Another 16 California cities have received a total of $4.93 million in SB 2 planning grants. (See attached list).

“The City of Livermore is excited to receive this grant to provide housing opportunities within a transit-oriented development. This grant makes it possible for the City to create a complete neighborhood with a mix of land uses, parks, trails, and additional amenities,” said Marc Roberts, Livermore City Manager. “The City would like to thank HCD for their assistance throughout this process. We look forward to continuing to work with the HCD team.”

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.

Gustine and Encinitas Come into Housing Element Law Compliance

The cities of Gustine and Encinitas have become cities 10 and 11 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.

The City of Gustine completed rezoning sites to allow for greater density and a by-right approval process that will result in more housing units and a streamlined review on developments that dedicate a minimum of 20 percent of units to lower income families. Gustine also adopted several ordinances as part of their housing element update to allow for a variety of housing types including accessory dwelling units, supportive housing, and emergency shelters. Lastly, Gustine is excited to be gaining compliance and applying for an SB 2 Planning Grant to help them continue their efforts to accelerate housing production.

“The City of Gustine is excited to announce that their Housing Element has achieved compliance with HCD,” said Gustine City Manager, Douglas Dunford. “The City of Gustine has been working closely with HCD to gain compliance and appreciates all the help and patience HCD has given us.”

Encinitas met the final requirement necessary to obtain housing element compliance – gaining Coastal Commission approval of Encinitas’ Local Coastal Plan amendment. This allows the city to implement zoning and development standards that encourage and facilitate development of affordable housing within the Coastal Zone.

Encinitas has also filed a Complaint for Declaratory Relief with the Superior Court of San Diego County. Voters rejected ballot measures in 2016 and 2018 that would have allowed the City to implement zoning and become compliant with state housing laws. If successful, the Complaint would remove the requirement for voter approval to implement strategies that accomplish the City’s goal of providing more housing. Additionally, Encinitas is currently drafting ordinances that will promote housing for all economic segments and special needs groups in their community.

HCD has the resources, tools, and California's first-ever, statewide peer-to-peer sharing map - all designed to help cities and counties accelerate housing production and streamline housing approvals. The SB 2 Planning Grants Technical Assistance Accelerating Housing Production webpage, holds our updated interactive map where you can now find awardee applications and project they have applied for under the Grant Application Status tab. Our SB 2 Planning Grants program webpage has been updated with a Helpful Tips instructional aid to help craft a better application and speed up review and approvals.

HCD continues to work with California jurisdictions to successfully plan to meet your housing needs, comply with state housing law, and accelerate production, so every California resident can live, work, and play in healthy communities of opportunity.

SB 2 Planning Grants

October 8, 2019 - $4.93 Million

SACRAMENTO — The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced the second and final round of award funds totaling $29.8 million from the California Emergency Solutions and Housing (CESH) program. CESH is a state program providing funds for a variety of activities to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Authorized by Senate Bill (SB) 850, Chapter 48, Statues of 2018, the CESH program is funded from the Building Homes and Jobs Act Trust Fund (SB 2, Chapter 364, Statutes of 2017) and all remaining California Emergency Solutions Grant funds.

CESH program funds have been awarded to Continuums of Care — regional or local planning bodies that coordinate housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals — which in turn have chosen administrative entities to use the money to provide services. The funding will help Californians through rental assistance, stabilization services, outreach services, and more. All Continuums of Care in the state are receiving funds.

Many Californians earn less than 30 percent of median income and pay more than half of their income toward rent. Such rising costs are visible in a growing number of areas throughout the state. There is a cost of homelessness, both human and fiscal, and the CESH program is taking the step toward ending homelessness in California.

California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program Funding Awards

Round Two, $29,895,893 Awarded October 18, 2019

Register Your Mobilehome California, a state program that gives owners the opportunity to avoid paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in state and local taxes, fees, and penalties, has now saved homeowners more than $2 million.

The program, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), allows people who acquired a mobilehome or manufactured home, but did not get the proper registration, to correct the issue and not have to pay back taxes and fees.

Besides the savings in fees and taxes, homeowners who have taken advantage of the program will also see additional benefits. They are now properly positioned to legally sell or transfer their property, apply for fire and flood insurance, receive financial assistance and rebates from utility providers, and obtain permits for repairs and upgrades.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 173 to continue the program through the end of 2020. Even though the program has been extended, friends and family members who are mobilehome owners are encouraged to apply before time runs out.

Mobilehome and manufactured homeowners who have never applied for registration and do not have title are eligible for the program. Under many circumstances, the owner never realized the mobilehome was supposed to have proper title and registration. Other owners may have wanted title but could not afford the back state and local taxes and fees.

For more information, visit registeryourmobilehomeca.org or call (800) 952-8356. Assistance is available in all languages. A Spanish-language version of the website, as well as other languages through Google Translate, can be accessed by clicking on the upper right corner of the homepage.

SACRAMENTO — Today, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced awards totaling $10.7 million from the federal Emergency Solutions Grants program to help address homelessness throughout California using a comprehensive, multipronged approach.

The award recipients (listed below) will use the grants to help individuals and families avoid homelessness; quickly get back into housing (“rapid rehousing”) if they experience homelessness; conduct outreach and connect people at-risk of or experiencing homelessness to services and temporary or permanent housing; help operate and provide essential services in emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; and create permanent, affordable homes that come with supportive services to help those who may need extra support to remain stable once they have a place to call home.

Funding for the Emergency Solutions Grants comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the money is distributed by HCD through two separate funding pools. Both funding pools are available to Continuums of Care — regional or local planning bodies that coordinate housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. The first funding pool, Continuum of Care Allocation Pool, is for continuums collaborating with “Administrative Entities” to utilize their funding. The second pool, the Balance of State Allocation Pool for Continuums of Care is for “service areas” that do not contain a city or county that receives Emergency Solutions Grants directly from HUD. The Balance of State funding pool is further segmented into competitive and noncompetitive allocations.

These grants and the other new funding sources provide California critical resources to help end homelessness in California.

The next round of federal Emergency Solutions Grants is expected to be available in Spring 2020.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program Funding Awards

$10.7 Million Awarded, November 12, 2019

ESG Balance of State Competitive Funding

ESG Balance of State Noncompetitive Funding

ESG Continuum of Care/Administrative Entities

The Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention program (VHHP) is making $75 million in funding available, beginning November 8, 2019, to assist in developing housing opportunities for California’s veterans, especially those at risk of homelessness or experiencing temporary or chronic homelessness. Awards will be made to qualifying developers and nonprofit entities to construct, acquire, rehabilitate, or preserve affordable multifamily housing for our veterans and their families.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) are administrators of the VHHP program. To date, the program has awarded approximately $294 million to 63 developments in four prior funding rounds. These 63 developments are expected to create homes for more than 2,300 veterans in need.

“Our veterans deserve the very best housing solution we can provide,” said CalVet Secretary, Vito Imbasciani MD. “VHHP has become the beacon of hope for our veterans experiencing homelessness or facing housing instability. With the help of our partners, HCD, and CalHFA, at risk veterans in California can find a place to call home.”

“The VHHP program is helping veterans regain a sense of place, pride, and most importantly, peace,” said Acting HCD Director, Doug McCauley. “The millions of men and women who were brave enough to serve our country should not have to fight another battle once they return home.”

On any given night, nearly 11,000 veterans experience homelessness in California, while countless veteran households face the instability of severe housing cost burden. Housing instability and homelessness among women veterans with children and veterans with disabilities are also on the rise. The service-rich communities being developed through VHHP program funding employ the Housing First model and address many of the challenges that vulnerable veterans face and support their movement toward housing stability.

Applications are due on February 13, 2020. To assist applicants, workshops are planned for developers, sponsors, and other interested parties at the following locations:

California Department of Veterans Affairs - CalVet’s mission is to serve all of California’s veterans and their families. With nearly 1.6 million veterans living in the state, CalVet strives to ensure that our veterans of every era and their families get the state and federal benefits and services they have earned as a result of their military service. To learn more on how CalVet assists veterans, visit www.CalVet.ca.gov.

California Department of Housing and Community Development – HCD 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, please visit www.hcd.ca.gov.

California Housing Finance Agency – For more than 40 years, CalHFA has supported the needs of renters and homebuyers by providing financing and programs so more low to moderate income Californians have a place to call home. Established in 1975, CalHFA was chartered as the state's affordable housing lender. The Agency’s Multifamily Division finances affordable rental housing through partnerships with jurisdictions, developers and more, while its Single Family Division provides first mortgage loans and down payment assistance to first time homebuyers. CalHFA is a completely self-supporting state agency, and its bonds are repaid by revenues generated through mortgage loans, not taxpayer dollars. Learn more at www.CalHFA.ca.gov.

Register Your Mobilehome California, a state program that gives owners the opportunity to waive hundreds or even thousands of dollars in state and local taxes, fees, and penalties, has been extended until December 31, 2020.

The program, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), allows people who acquired a mobilehome or manufactured home, but were not provided proper title and registration, to correct the issue. By signing Assembly Bill 173 (Chau, 2019) into law October 3, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom extended the successful program through the end of 2020, ensuring more families will have the opportunity to obtain proof of ownership for mobilehomes they rightfully purchased.

Since the start of the program in 2017, Register Your Mobilehome California has saved homeowners more than $2.2 million in past-due fees and taxes, ensuring affordable housing stability for more than 3,000 families throughout California. Even though the program has been extended, friends and family members who are mobilehome owners are still encouraged to as soon as possible.

The Register Your Mobilehome California program gave Martha from Thermal peace of mind, “This program helped me feel at ease knowing that my home is now going to be under my name, and no one can say that it is not mine.”

Mobilehomes and manufactured homes are often a more affordable option for many lower-income Californians, especially those on fixed incomes. Besides the savings in fees and taxes, homeowners will also receive additional benefits. They will be positioned to legally sell or transfer their property, apply for fire and flood insurance, receive financial assistance and rebates from utilityproviders, and obtain permits for repairs and upgrades

Mobilehome and manufactured homeowners who have never applied for registration and do not have titles to their homes are eligible for the program. Under many circumstances, the owner never realized the mobilehome was supposed to have proper title and registration. Other owners may have wanted title but could not afford the back state and local taxes and fees.

“Thank you very much for saving my home with this program,” said Joan from Lancaster. “I have been waiting for three years to finally take care of this.”

HCD representatives continue to visit various areas throughout California to walk homeowners through every step of the application process.

Upcoming visits to assist mobilehome owners include the following:

Fresno

January 22, 2020 and January 23, 2020

1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

California Rural Legal Assistance Regional Office

3747 East Shields Avenue

Fresno, CA 93726

Mecca

January 28, 2020 and January 29, 2020

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mecca Family and Farm Workers Service Center

91-275 66th Avenue, Suite 100

Mecca, CA 92254

A 14-minute video is available on the Register Your Mobilehome California website, under the Resources tab. It provides an overview of the program, application instructions, and answers to commonly asked questions.

For more information, visit registeryourmobilehomeca.org or call 800.952.8356. Assistance is available in all languages. A Spanish-language version of the website, as well as other languages through Google Translate, can be accessed by clicking on the upper right corner of the homepage.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced that $26 million in Senate Bill (SB) 2 planning grant money has been awarded to 114 cities and counties throughout the state. An additional $70 million in awards is currently pending. Meanwhile, five more local governments received state-approval of their housing plans (Housing Elements) and are now eligible to apply for SB 2 planning grants.

“Governor Newsom’s Administration continues to make progress in the effort to bring more housing, including affordable housing, to California,” said Alexis Podesta, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, which oversees HCD. “Local governments are set to receive a new infusion of funds to plan for and accelerate housing, thanks to the Governor’s historic $1 billion investment in housing in the 2019 Budget Act.”

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. SB 2 Planning Grants provide cities and counties funding to help prepare, adopt, and implement plans and process improvements that streamline housing approvals and accelerate housing production.

Bradbury, Needles, Plumas County, Pomona, and San Juan Bautista Now Compliant with California Housing Element Law

In response to Governor Newsom’s meeting with mayors earlier this year, Bradbury, Needles, Plumas County, Pomona, and San Juan Bautista have joined the growing list of jurisdictions that now have HCD-approved housing plans (Housing Elements). Of the 47 jurisdictions that were out of compliance, 16 now have state-approved housing plans.

Cities and counties must incorporate a variety of strategies into their housing plans to show they can meet their communities’ housing needs. For example, Needles’ housing plan includes rezoning in the downtown area to promote mixed-use development — housing with retail on ground floor — as well as rezoning to allow emergency shelters to use a streamlined approval process — known as “by-right” — in which projects that comply with zoning/land-use standards receive approval without a discretionary review, thereby speeding up production. San Juan Bautista’s plan includes rezoning land to accommodate both affordable housing and emergency shelters.

For more information on SB 2 Planning Grants, visit the SB 2 Planning Grants webpage or contact HCD at sb2planninggrant@hcd.ca.gov.

SACRAMENTO — For years, California has been underbuilding homes, especially multifamily housing. This lack of supply and skyrocketing rents and home prices have created heavy, overwhelming cost burdens on families. In the ongoing effort to address California’s affordability crisis, today, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) awarded more than $262 million from the Multifamily Housing Program to preserve and build new affordable homes.

The Multifamily Housing Program awards are funded from Proposition 1 — the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2018 — which California voters approved on November 6, 2018, authorizing bonds providing $1.5 billion in new funding for housing. This funding will assist with new construction of affordable homes and acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of permanent and transitional rental housing for lower-income households.

“This voter-approved funding represents a significant investment in affordable rental housing across California,” said Alexis Podesta, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, which oversees HCD. “California is experiencing an extreme housing shortage and this funding shows continued commitment to create ‘A California for All’.”

An additional $175 million in available funding for the Multifamily Housing Program will be released January 2020.

A list of awardees is attached.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MULTIFAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

Awardee List

As part of the state’s multipronged strategy to reach a goal of more than one million affordable homes by 2030, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the California Department of General Services (DGS) today made another five state-owned properties available for housing development and began their search for qualified developers.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s effort to accelerate development under the Excess Land for Affordable Housing Executive Order N-06-19 (PDF) has already sparked 16 partnerships between the state, affordable housing developers and local communities to produce sustainable, innovative and cost-effective housing on state-owned excess sites. Under the order, the two departments have amassed a pipeline of more than 4,400 new homes in various stages of development.

The sites announced today could yield hundreds of homes for low-income Californians and include:

• A former office building of the Department of General Services in Fresno on a major commercial corridor with transit and the potential for providing mixed-use opportunities.
• A former office building of Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Covina within a halfmile of an LA Metrolink station in a high opportunity area.
• A single-story commercial building in Midtown Sacramento that may include the potential to expand and provide affordable options next to new high-end market-rate construction.
• A vacant California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) site in Oceanside that is part of the city’s housing element site inventory and first Caltrans excess site for housing.
• A property near the Atascadero State Hospital on this historic El Camino Real in Atascadero, which will provide more affordable homes for nearby workers and help shorten commute times.

“This state partnership between HCD and DGS leverages properties no longer needed by the state to create new affordable homes and advance California’s housing, health and climate goals,” said Lourdes Castro Ramírez, Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. “The majority of these new homes will be located near transit and other amenities, reducing reliance on cars, decreasing greenhouse gasses and building healthier communities.”

“With our Statewide Housing Plan calling for the creation of at least one million homes affordable to low-income Californians, this administration had to get creative in how it accelerated production and offering up state-owned property is just one of those solutions Governor Newsom rolled out early on,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “In addition to unprecedented state investment and holding local partners accountable to do their fair share, the state will continue to provide land to those ready to partner with us to address the housing crisis.”

Developers selected by HCD and DGS would receive a long-term ground lease from the state to build, own, and manage the housing they develop, subject to oversight from the state. Under the order, the two departments will continue to identify and prioritize state-owned excess sites for sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective housing.

“The identified state sites are widespread, reaching both rural and metropolitan areas,” said DGS Director Ana M. Lasso. “This shows the Administration is focused on addressing this housing emergency by working together to make housing affordable and equitable for all Californians. We’re proud to play a part in this collaboration.”

The Request for Qualifications can be found here.