WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
The County of Santa Cruz is applying to obtain a Prohousing Designation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Securing this designation will make the County eligible for various state incentive programs and funding opportunities for affordable homes and infrastructure.
PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD IS NOW OPEN AND RUNS FROM DECEMBER 19, 2025 THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2026
Review:
The County encourages community members, stakeholders, and interested parties to review the draft Prohousing Designation application and provide feedback. All comments will be considered before the application is submitted to the State.
Submit your comments to: fernanda.diaspini@santacruzcountyca.gov
About the Program
The Prohousing Designation Program rewards jurisdictions with a demonstrated commitment to accelerating housing production and implementing housing-friendly policies that go beyond State laws to reduce barriers to housing development. To receive the designation, a jurisdiction must score greater than 30 points on their application. Points are earned by having enacted, or by committing to enact, policies and programs in each of the following categories:
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Favorable Zoning and Land Use
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Acceleration of Housing Production Timeframes
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Reduction of Construction and Development Costs
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Providing Financial Subsidies
Benefits to Applying
Receiving a Prohousing Designation documents the County’s commitment to housing and recognizes the work that has already been done to address the housing shortage and affordability crisis. Prohousing jurisdictions become eligible to apply for Prohousing Incentive program funds and receive prioritized access to State grants for affordable housing.
About the Application Process
The County of Santa Cruz will post its draft application for Prohousing Designation for public review for 30 days to invite public feedback. Staff will review and respond to all comments following the close of comment period.
After the County submits its application to HCD, the State will review the application and may request changes. Once the application is finalized, the State will determine if the County of Santa Cruz qualifies to be designated as a Prohousing County.
For additional questions, please contact: Fernanda Dias Pini, fernanda.diaspini@santacruzcountyca.gov