PREPARED BY: Griffen Dempsey DATE OF MEETING: 06/23/2026
SUBJECT:
TITLE
PRESENTATION ON THE CITY OF SAN PABLO'S APPLICATION FOR THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROHOUSING DESIGNATION PROGRAM
CEQA: This is not a project subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.?
Recommendation
For Informational Purposes Only
BODY
BACKGROUND
In 2019, the California State Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 101, establishing the Prohousing Designation Program (PDP) to address the statewide housing crisis. Jurisdictions with a Prohousing Designation may receive preference or additional points when applying for state funding. The City of San Pablo is currently preparing an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to obtain a Prohousing Designation under the program.
DISCUSSION
The Prohousing Designation is an acknowledgment by HCD of cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting housing affordability and development. Receiving this designation could position the City of San Pablo to secure state grant funding for infrastructure improvements and other local projects that support housing production. Pursuing this designation advances the City's goals related to housing and is consistent with the policies outlined in its General Plan Housing Element.
The PDP provides incentives to jurisdictions that comply with state housing laws, meet Housing Element requirements, and adopt local policies that exceed existing housing standards. Jurisdictions awarded the Prohousing Designation receive a competitive advantage when applying for key affordable housing and infrastructure grant programs. In recent years, state funding criteria have increasingly required local governments to demonstrate housing-friendly zoning and policies as a prerequisite for eligibility. Neighboring cities Richmond, El Cerrito, and Pinole already hold the Prohousing Designation.
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