To promote dense, transit-oriented development and lower housing-related carbon emissions, the SGC has approved funding for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) projects across the state.
Sacramento – The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) today announced $808 million in funding awards for 37 affordable housing projects across the state as part of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program, which aims to promote dense, transit-oriented development and lower housing-related carbon emissions. Combined, the projects receiving this sixth round of awards will avoid over 1.4 million metric tons of CO2— equivalent to taking 304,472 daily passenger vehicles off the road for one year.
“Meeting our affordable housing goals and advancing California’s climate leadership are priorities that go hand in hand, as these projects demonstrate,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “It is important now more than ever to build homes for Californians close to the places they need to be every day, like jobs and schools, as an integrated solution to reduce harmful emissions and create housing that meets the needs of all our communities.”
Building on his previous investments to foster a comprehensive and integrated climate and housing planning framework, Governor Newsom’s California Blueprint proposes $1 billion to accelerate development in downtown-oriented areas across California, including $300 million one-time General Fund for the AHSC program. Last fall, Governor Newsom announced the Administration nearly doubled the funding available in the AHSC program, making the award of these 37 projects possible.
“We are thrilled to award the 37 high-impact projects to broaden much needed access to affordable housing and vital opportunities while protecting California from the impacts of climate change,” said Strategic Growth Council Executive Director Lynn von Koch-Liebert. “The Strategic Growth Council is committed to partnering with communities to bring their housing and climate goals to life, and this round of Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities shows exactly how integrated solutions can make a transformative impact across the state.”
AHSC is 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. So far, the AHSC program has invested over $2.4 billion across the state through 164 sustainable projects, creating over 15,000 affordable units and reducing almost 4.4 million tons of emissions over the projects’ operating lives. AHSC provides both grants and loans for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through developments that implement land use and housing, and to support infill and compact development. The program is administered in partnership with the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
“Last year, the California Comeback Plan provided unprecedented resources¬ — $22 billion —to get vulnerable Californians off the street and provide affordable housing options for those in need,” said California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez. “With the California Blueprint announced earlier this month, Governor Newsom has made it crystal clear that when people have access to quality housing integrated with clean and accessible transit that connects residents to good jobs and quality services, it helps us solve not only our housing challenges, but also our climate crisis. The funding we announce today helps us achieve those goals.”
“These awards fulfill the promise of the California Climate Investments program, funded by cap-and-trade proceeds,” California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph said. “These projects will deliver real-world improvements in public health, the environment, and quality of life for families and neighborhoods throughout the state.”
SGC approves AHSC funding video
Media Contact
California Strategic Growth Council:
Luis Jimenez, luis.jimenez@sgc.ca.gov
About the California Strategic Growth Council
Personal vehicle use comprises the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in California. By integrating affordable homes with walking, biking, and transit use, the AHSC program makes it easier for Californians to drive less and increase the state’s stock of affordable housing. Projects funded by the AHSC Program foster healthier communities and protect the environment by increasing California’s supply of affordable places to live near jobs, schools, stores, transit, healthcare facilities, and other daily needs.