Press Release State of California Invites Applications for $405 Million Through Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program

Program prioritizes affordable housing tied to transit and active transportation options, jobs, and amenities, especially in under-resourced communities

Sacramento, Calif. - The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) invite applications for approximately $405 million in the sixth round of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (AHSC). The State seeks new community development projects that will build affordable housing for the Californians who need it most and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping people live closer to the activities and services they need every day, such as jobs, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and more.

“Affordable housing near where people work not only improves the quality of life for Californians but will further the long-term resilience of our communities and our climate,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Opportunities to live near better jobs, schools, and services will truly create a California for All.”

In five rounds, SGC has awarded more than $1.65 billion through AHSC to projects that will result in 11,929 new affordable housing units and avoid nearly 3.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking about 691,000 passenger vehicles off the road for a year. AHSC’s sixth round is expected to significantly increase new housing, avoid more greenhouse gas emissions, and bring to over $2 billion the total awards made through this innovative program.

The Round 6 AHSC application period is open until June 2021 and the California Strategic Growth Council is expected to make awards decisions in October of this year.

“The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program provides a unique opportunity for local governments and transportation agencies to partner with a variety of stakeholders to achieve multiple climate, health, and economic objectives while building essential affordable housing,” said Louise Bedsworth, Executive Director of the California Strategic Growth Council. “We’re excited to open AHSC’s sixth round and look forward to supporting prospective applicants as they develop innovative, competitive proposals.”

Eligible applicants for AHSC include local governments; transportation and transit agencies; housing developers; joint powers authorities; K-12 school, college, and university districts, and federally recognized Native American tribes. SGC provides technical assistance to applicants with shovel-ready projects who may need help and guidance to craft a competitive application – especially first-time applicants or applicants based in low-income, disadvantaged, or Tribal communities.

“The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program is a vital component in our efforts to build strong, resilient and equitable communities with housing at the center,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez. “Too often, people of color are forced to choose between paying extremely high rents or living miles away from where they work, often facing terrible financial burdens. Bringing housing closer to transportation and to the places where people work is a win-win for equity and the environment.”

SGC administers AHSC in coordination with HCD and the California Air Resources Board. The program is a key part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.

“The AHSC program is a perfect example of how the goals of affordable housing development and climate action intersect, which boils down to building housing in areas of opportunity, encouraging improvements to walking, biking, and transit infrastructure so Californians are less likely to get in their cars and drive, or drive much less,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “The result is not only less congestion and less pollution, quieter roads, and cleaner air, but healthier Californians with access to more equitable, sustainable communities.”

Important links:

• Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Round 6 Notice of Funding Availability
• Program Guidelines and Application Resources
• Survey to Request Technical Assistance
• Information about AHSC Round 6 Program Timeline

About the California Strategic Growth Council

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is a cabinet-level State body committed to health, thriving, and resilient communities for all. SGC coordinates and works collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and high quality of life for all Californians.

About the California Department of Housing and Community Development

The California Department of Housing and Community Development is dedicated to the preservation and expansion of safe and affordable housing, so more Californians have a place to call home. Our team works to ensure an adequate supply of housing for Californians and promotes the growth of strong communities through its leadership, policy, and program development.