SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom announced that 13 California cities and counties with the state’s Prohousing Designation will receive a combined $11.3 million to support affordable housing and innovative local housing solutions.

“Investing in our communities by creating more homes is an investment in California’s future,” Governor Newsom said. “Through strong local partnerships, we are creating more opportunities for Californians to have a safe and affordable place to call home.”

The funding comes through the fourth round of the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP), administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The program has awarded a total of $70.3 million to help communities expand affordable housing, rapid rehousing services, emergency shelters and other housing initiatives.

The latest recipients are:

Cities: Arvin, Benicia, Vista, Culver City, Indio, Lancaster, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Sunnyvale and Woodland.
Counties: Nevada, Santa Barbara and Trinity.

Accelerating Affordable Housing Development

California awards the Prohousing Designation to cities and counties that adopt locally driven policies to accelerate housing construction, lower development costs and address homelessness.

Qualifying policies may include streamlining multifamily housing approvals, allowing greater housing density near jobs and public transit, and expanding affordable housing in communities that have historically excluded lower-income households and people of color.

Seventy-five California jurisdictions now hold the designation, making them eligible for PIP grants and other state funding opportunities. Since October 2025, 10 jurisdictions have earned the designation for the first time, while five cities have been redesignated.

“In California, it pays to be prohousing, and this award is proof,” said California Housing and Homelessness Secretary Tomiquia Moss. She said the funding will directly support affordable homes, rapid rehousing services and emergency shelters across the state.

HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez said the awards recognize communities that are cutting red tape and adopting forward-looking policies to increase housing production for residents at all income levels.