Planning & Community Development
Planning and community development contribute to stronger, more resilient communities throughout California. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) plays an important role in ensuring that cities and counties plan to meet the housing needs of all members within a community. HCD also administers a variety of community development programs.
In California, there are approximately 149,000 units of privately owned, federally assisted, multifamily rental housing, plus additional tax-credit and mortgage-revenue bond properties, many with project-based rental assistance.
Every person in every community shares the same basic needs — including the need for a place to live. This is why planning for housing is one of the most-important pieces of any community.
Communities are shaped and grow according to a set of planning documents. These planning documents are prepared by local governments (cities and counties) and regional planning bodies. The public also participates in the planning process by providing input at public hearings and during public comment periods.
HCD plays a key role in the process communities undergo to plan for and encourage the development of housing that meets the needs of everyone in California's communities.
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In This Section
Find interactive maps and visualizations, data resources, Housing Planning Hub, a Housing Element search tool, Annual Progress Report Dashboard, Digital Statewide Housing Plan and more.
Information on identifying, making available and accessing excess state and surplus local land for housing development.
Access information on the determined housing need for each region and how it will be distributed within each local jurisdiction.
Guides, process information and other resources to assist in the update and submittal of local housing plans.
Resources and tools to help local jurisdictions prepare and submit their status and progress in implementing their housing elements.
Data and resources to help fulfill state and local requirements to promote inclusive communities and affirmatively further fair housing in California.
How local jurisdictions can be designated as Prohousing and receive incentives in the form of additional points or other preference in the scoring of competitive programs.
Technical assistance and resources to help accelerate and streamline housing production.
Recent laws streamlining processes, limiting development restrictions, and removing barriers to building new housing.