Los Altos recognized by state for prohousing efforts

"The City of Los Altos recently earned top honors from the state for its efforts to implement policies that go above and beyond state housing law to facilitate housing production. Los Altos is among 65 jurisdictions in California that have received the Prohousing Designation from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) since the program began accepting applications in 2021. The designation makes the city more competitive for special funding opportunities, including Prohousing Incentive Program grants, community development, and infrastructure funding programs administered by HCD."

"According to a press release, Los Altos has fully implemented 90% its Housing Element programs since adopting its Housing Element in January 2023. Los Altos is eliminating ADU fees, leveraging city-owned land for affordable housing and boosting density for projects serving extremely low-income and senior residents, the HCD write in a Sept. 18 announcement."

"These new designees are demonstrating how local leadership can meaningfully contribute to solving the state's most pressing challenge. The Prohousing Designation Program was created as part of the California State 2019-20 Budget Act to provide support, incentives and accountability measures to meet California's housing goals."

Los Altos earned the state's Prohousing Designation for implementing policies that exceed state housing law to facilitate housing production. The designation places Los Altos among 65 California jurisdictions with the status and improves competitiveness for Prohousing Incentive Program grants, community development, and infrastructure funding administered by HCD. The city has implemented 90% of its Housing Element programs since adopting the Housing Element in January 2023. Los Altos is eliminating ADU fees, leveraging city-owned land for affordable housing, and increasing density for projects serving extremely low-income and senior residents. The Prohousing Designation Program originated in the 2019-20 State Budget Act to support statewide housing goals.

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