The review and revise” requirement is an important feature of the housing-element update. A thorough review facilitates a comprehensive update and ensures the housing element can be effectively implemented in the next planning period. This Page has been amended to incorporate new requirements pursuant to AB 139 (Statutes of 2019).
Government Code
Government Code (GC) Section 65588 requires: “Each local government shall review its housing element as frequently as appropriate to evaluate all of the following: (1) The appropriateness of the housing goals, objectives, and policies in contributing to the attainment of the state housing goal. (2) The effectiveness of the housing element in attainment of the community's housing goals and objectives. (3) The progress of the city, county, or city and county in implementation of the housing element.” (4) The effectiveness of goals, policies, and related actions to meet the community’s special housing needs. GC 65583(a)(7).”
Requisite Analysis
Analysis is required in three areas:
- Effectiveness of the element — A description of the actual results or outcomes of the prior housing-element’s goals (what happened), objectives, policies, and programs. The results should be quantified where possible (e.g., number of units rehabilitated) and may be qualitative where necessary (e.g., mitigation of governmental constraints).
- Progress in implementation — For each program, the analysis should compare significant differences between what was projected or planned in the earlier housing element and what was achieved. Analyze the differences to determine where the previous housing element met, exceeded, or fell short of what was anticipated.
- Appropriateness of goals, objectives, policies, and programs — A description of what has been learned based on the analysis of progress and effectiveness of the previous housing element. A description of how the goals, objectives, policies, and programs in the updated housing element are being changed or adjusted to incorporate what has been learned from the results of the previous element.
- Special needs population — A description of how past programs were effective in addressing the housing needs of the special populations. This analysis can be done as part of describing the effectiveness of the program pursuant to (2) if the jurisdiction has multiple programs to specifically address housing needs of special needs populations or if specific programs were not included, provide a summary of the cumulative results of the programs in addressing the housing need terms of units or services by special need group.
Useful Data Sources
- Annual general plan progress reports, as required by Government Code Section 65400. Many communities cross reference and use the annual progress report [GC 65400(b)(1)] as a useful source of information for review of the previous housing element.
- Department of Finance, Demographic Research Unit.
- Consolidated Plan Reports.
Sample Tables
The following sample tables can help in organizing critical information pertaining to housing-element requirements. The information provided in the tables should be tailored to the jurisdiction and followed by appropriate analysis. (Note: These sample tables are not intended to be a substitute for addressing the analytical requirements described in the statute.)
Progress Toward Meeting Housing-Element Goals and Objectives Table
Progress Toward Meeting Housing-Element Goals and Objectives | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Policy/Program | Objective (quantified/ qualified) |
Result | Evaluation | Continue/ Modify/ Delete |
Action: Apply for small city Community Development Block Grant funding through HCD by 2012 to assist in the rehabilitation of 20 lower-income housing units. Timing: December 2012 Responsibility: Housing Department |
Assist in the rehabilitation of 20 lower-income housing units. | In 2012, the city applied for and received a Community Development Block Grant for $500,000 for the rehabilitation of housing units. The city has rehabilitated 15 units since 2012. | Mostly successful. A total of 15 households have been assisted through this program. However, due to limited marketing and increased costs, the city was unable to meet its goal of assisting 20 households. | The city will continue this program and reapply for funding in 2017 Program will be strengthened by marketing through local newspapers and notices sent to households in both Spanish and English. |
Progress Towards Meeting Quantified Objectives Table
Progress Towards Meeting Quantified Objectives | |||
---|---|---|---|
Income Groups | New Construction | Rehabilitation | Conservation and Preservation |
Very Low | |||
Low | |||
Moderate | |||
Above Moderate | |||
TOTAL |