Housing Resources

Education and Outreach

A Place to Call Home: Housing in the San Francisco Bay Area

This report focuses on the regional impacts of the Bay Area housing shortage, such as high housing costs, the outward spread of development, and longer commutes. It examines some of the reasons why housing production in the region has not kept pace with demand, including community resistance, government regulation, and inadequate funding. With the conclusion of the 1999-2006 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) period, the report documents the progress Bay Area communities have made in meeting their housing needs and highlights local and regional efforts to promote housing production.

Blueprint 2001: Housing Element Ideas and Solutions for a Sustainable and Affordable Future

Blueprint 2001 for Bay Area Housing outlines the State's requirements for Housing Elements, sets forth a process for addressing those requirements, emphasizes the critical importance of community participation, and highlights a wide range of programs and strategies for addressing community housing needs.

Marin Housing Workbook (1.5MB PDF)

This document is the result of a county-wide effort to evaluate housing needs specific to each jurisdiction and develop housing element implementation measures that can be incorporated into local plans. The document was developed through a collaborative effort involving all towns, cities, and the County of Marin and was created through a year-long public process.

Smart Infill (Greenbelt Alliance) (5.5MB PDF)

This report presents 12 key strategies to bring about well-planned infill housing and mixed-use development. Written for government leaders and local citizens, these recommendations include zoning changes, design guidelines, public participation processes, revised parking requirements, and preparation of "Specific Plans" coordinating neighborhood revitalization.

Funding Opportunities

Workforce Housing Incentive Grant Program (2.0MB PDF)

Presentation by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on its non-competitive grant program designed to reward cities and counties for producing new affordable housing units (rental & ownership). For more information on the program, contact HCD (contact information at end of presentation)

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