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Community & Economic Development DepartmentCity CouncilJune 16, 2026HOUSING ON FAITH LANDS HANDBOOK OVERVIEW RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUNDRiverside is in a housing crisis.Faith-based housing can be a solution!* Riverside renters need to earn over 2x the state minimum wage to afford rent Riverside is underproducing housingMany residents spend over 2/3rds of income on housing 11% increase in homelessness in past year Fulfill a mission/calling to serve the communityMake best use of underutilized spaceRealize potential new revenue streams New tool: SB 4 (2024) streamlining *But many congregations don’t know where to begin! 1 2
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PURPOSES OF THE HANDBOOK
Outline existing development pathways Outline existing development pathways (including SB 4 streamlining) Invoke the fundamental questions of who, what, why, and howGuide understanding of important considerationsInspire action using case studies of existing faith-based housing RiversideCA.gov4
BLUE ZONE PROJECT RIVERSIDE BLUEPRINTObjective 4 Expand housing options to increase housing affordability and stability.Strategy 4.2 Support the construction of affordable housing on church properties in accordance with the SB 4 Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act. Progress Measures•Toolkit developed for faith communities looking to build affordable housing.•Participation in the Congregational Land Committee’s Affordable Housing Cohort, as appropriate.•Participation in/Leadership of City of Riverside’s Faith Summit.Outcome Measures•Increase the number of new permits and approvals for affordable housing development on faith lands•Number of Riverside participants in the Congregational Land Committee’s Affordable Housing Cohort and/or Riverside Faith Summit•Increase in awareness of SB4 process (via creation and dissemination of toolkit, Faith Summit, or participation in Affordable Housing Cohort•Greater diversity of housing stock planned or available on faith lands 3 4
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TIMELINE OF HANDBOOK DEVELOPMENTHandbook kickoffDecember 2, 2025•Housing & Hot Chocolate public open house at Blue Zones Riverside Headquarters•Tour of existing faith-based housing projects in the City•Interview with former mayor Rusty BaileyDecember 16, 2025Stakeholder & city staff interviewsDecember 2025-January 2026Writing and design of handbookJanuary-April 2026 RiversideCA.gov6
HANDBOOK SECTIONSContentSectionDescription of the handbook’s purposeHow to Use this HandbookStatistics on Riverside’s housing and homelessness crisisA Spotlight on Riverside’s Housing Crisis 5 6
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HANDBOOK SECTIONSContentSectionBackground/purpose of SB 4 in helping congregations develop housing What is SB 4 and Why Was It CreatedWays that SB 4 streamlines housing production for congregationsHow Does it Work?Eligibility criteria to qualify for SB 4 How Do I Qualify? RiversideCA.gov8
HANDBOOK SECTIONSContentSectionQuestions of purpose and community that congregations should ask themselves before considering housingConsiderations Before Getting StartedDescription of physical housing types (i.e., apartment) for congregations to buildTypes of HousingDescription of operational models (i.e., supportive housing) for congregations to useBeyond the StructureDescription of housing management types (i.e., third party) for congregations to useHow Do We Manage the Property?Other useful tips for congregations (i.e., forming a development team, engaging the community)Helpful Tips 7 8
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HANDBOOK SECTIONSContentSectionDescription of funding sources & fair housing laws that influence who can live in faith-based housingWho Will Live in Our Homes? Description of how zoning influences what & how much housing congregation can buildWhat Am I Allowed to Build?Description of how zoning influences other amenities that a congregation can build beyond housingWhat About Other Offerings in Addition to Housing? RiversideCA.gov10
HANDBOOK SECTIONSContentSectionSteps of the development process, from pre-application review to inspections and occupancyWhat Should I Know About the Development Process?Checklist to determine whether congregations should use the SB 4 streamlined or City (non-streamlined) application process to develop housingIs SB 4 Right for You? Or the City Application Process?Summary of when the SB 4 or City process is more appropriate for certain types of housing SB 4 vs. City Application Process 9 10
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HANDBOOK SECTIONSContentSectionCase studies of proposed & existing faith-based housing in Riverside & other cities in CaliforniaCase Studies St. Michael’s Apartments-Riverside, CACrest Cottages-Riverside, CA RiversideCA.gov12
HANDBOOK SECTIONSContentSectionAcknowledgements of faith-based and nonprofit organizations, the development community, City staff, and others that contributed to the handbook.Acknowledgements•The many staff members of the City of Riverside•Blue Zones Project Riverside•Olive Crest•Crest Community Church•St. Michael’s Episcopal Church•Temple Beth El Riverside•Mt. Rubidoux Seventh-Day Adventist Church•Church of God of Prophecy•Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation•California Baptist University•La Sierra University Church•Mt. Rubidoux Seventh Day Adventist Church•Human Migration Institute•Carillo Group•The LaunchPad Collective•All Saints Episcopal Church•Sahaba Initiative•Magnolia Presbyterian Church•Family Promise of Riverside•ANT Consulting•Riverside Fellowship Christian•Felicia Brown, Let Spirit Lead, INC•Rusty Bailey, Former Mayor of Riverside•Claire Jefferson-Glipa, Family Promise of Riverside•Participating Residents of Riverside•Vitruvian PlanningTHANK YOU ALL! 11 12
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NEXT STEPSHandbook launchSocial media advertisementsJoint press releaseJune-July 2026Faith lands housing roundtable (location TBD)August 2026Promotional tour of housing handbook to neighborhood groups and nonprofit organizationsSeptember 2026 RiversideCA.gov14
That the City Council:1. Receive and file this presentation on the Faith-Based Housing HandbookRECOMMENDATIONS13 14