The City of Sunnyvale is proud to announce it has earned the coveted Prohousing Designation from California Governor Newsom and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The designation recognizes the City’s efforts to implement policies that go above and beyond state housing law to facilitate housing production.
Sunnyvale is one of only 65 jurisdictions in California that have received the Prohousing Designation since the program began accepting applications in 2021. With a total of 62 points, the City has the seventh-highest score of any jurisdiction and the highest in Santa Clara County. This top score means Sunnyvale will be even more competitive for special funding opportunities.
“This is a proud moment for Sunnyvale, and it’s a testament to our long-term commitment to build a community where people of all incomes can live, work, and thrive,” said Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. “This designation gives us greater access to resources needed to accelerate that vision. I’m grateful to City staff, our partners, and the State of California for supporting our efforts to create a better future for Sunnyvale.”
The Prohousing Designation recognizes communities that cut through red tape, lowering development costs, removing barriers to construction, and adopting policies that embrace sustainable growth. By earning the Prohousing Designation, the City will receive access to Prohousing Incentive Program grants, community development, and infrastructure funding programs administered by HCD Access to these funding sources is essential for the City to continue advancing its affordable housing pipeline and build the infrastructure necessary to support residential development.
While applying for the Prohousing Designation, jurisdictions must showcase how local policies go beyond existing law to increase housing production. Sunnyvale highlighted its proactive housing and zoning programs such as requiring 15% Below Market Rate (BMR) inclusionary housing and using City-owned sites for six 100% affordable housing developments. Other programs include:
- Biennial Notice of Funding Availability for 100% affordable housing developments
- Development Incentives Program in the Lawrence Station Area Plan
- Parking maximums and unbundled parking in the Moffett Park Specific Plan
- Citywide Objective Design Standards
Sunnyvale and other jurisdictions with the Prohousing Designation are leading the way in creating housing opportunities for residents at all income levels. Achieving this goal requires strong collaboration between state and local government, and ongoing commitment to implementing state housing laws and advancing proven, forward-thinking solutions.
The Prohousing Designation Program was created during the California State 2019-2020 Budget Act which provided a spectrum of support, incentives, and accountability measures to meet California’s housing goals. Read more about the program on their website.
For more information on Sunnyvale’s housing efforts, visit the City’s Housing webpage.
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