ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 11, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Reports TO: Housing and Community Development Committee
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: June 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Presentation regarding the Prohousing Designation Program. -
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Committee receive and file the presentation.
BACKGROUND:
In response to the statewide housing crisis, the state is requiring that to be eligible for state affordable housing and homelessness funds that a jurisdiction must have a Prohousing Designation certified through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
In order to be designated, the city must show a commitment to going above and beyond by having enough policies and established processes that would accelerate housing production. A minimum of 30 points within HCD’s scoring criteria is required. The policies and procedures must do the following:
Offer favorable zoning and land use, including enough sites that accommodate housing, increase densities and allow for a variety of housing types. Acceleration of housing production timeframes, including ministerial approval for multiple housing types, streamlined CEQA analysis process, by-right approval process, and other streamlined permitting processes.
Reduction of construction and development costs, including deferred fee payments, less restrictive requirements for ADUs, universal design ordinances and reduced barriers, beyond existing state law, for low-income housing development. Providing financial subsidies, including establishing an affordable housing fund and regular use of local, state and federal funds to construct and preserve affordable housing.
HCD requires a diligent public participation process through a variety of methods and languages to ensure access. There must be specific efforts to engage all segments of the community, and availability of the draft application for public review for 30 days. Staff will present the status of the draft application, timelines and requirements to be certified by the Prohousing Designation Program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no request for budgetary items resulting in a fiscal impact to the General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
None