February 2022: Stories, Events, and Opportunities to Discover
Expand Perspectives
Ways to deepen your understanding and support initiatives advancing equity, affordability, and environmental vitality in housing
Equity
- The Elk Grove community welcomes a new affordable housing project, Poppy Grove, led by Black developers. Poppy Grove will be funded with resources that California set aside to promote developers of all backgrounds and used specifically by developers of color. – The Observer, Sacramento
Affordability
- CEQA lawsuits have too often been used to thwart progress on the state’s most pressing needs by stalling or blocking important projects – most recently, a new dormitory planned by UC Berkeley. Learn why reform is needed. – LA Times
- Development is underway for housing for the “missing middle” in San Fernando Valley. The project, expected to be completed by 2025, will be focused to fit the needs of the middle income population – teachers, nurses, firemen – who are currently being priced out. – Spectrum News 1
- San Diego has a new affordable housing development that truly considers the long term vitality of its residents and the environment. An estimated 45% of its energy needs will be generated through photovoltaic panels and a solar hot water system on the rooftops. – The Architect’s Newspaper
Infill Development
- Approximately 58 communities across California were awarded more than $825.5 million to build 9,550 homes as part of a new streamlined process to accelerate development. This includes funds for multifamily development and infill development. – CA.gov
Engage and Network
Upcoming opportunities to learn about intersectional approaches and work
Casita Coalition’s Improving ADU Financing
February 24 | 11:00AM PST
Tune into Casita Coalition’s Improving ADU Financing webinar as they talk about all topics ADU – from ADU appraisal best practices to standardizing ADU data in MLS listings to mortgage implications.
The ADU Academy | March 17| full day, in-person event
Save the date to join Earth Advantage and Accessory Dwelling Strategies in partnership with Casita Coalition for the ADU Academy in San Diego. The ADU Academy is a full-day event that will provide attendees with in-depth information on aspects of ADU permitting, design, construction, and financing. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from local and national ADU experts, network with other professionals, and become an Earth Advantage Designated ADU Specialist to join a national network of practitioners that specialize in ADUs. Learn more and register here.
Take Action
Stories of efforts that can enable holistic, regenerative change in California housing and communities
- New Pathways to Create More Deeply Affordable Housing is a new analysis from the Turner Center that draws on interviews with staff from six public housing agencies and affordable housing professionals to look at opportunities and barriers to the success of HUD’s Faircloth-to-RAD program.
- If you missed SGC’s Catalyst Conference, check out the recordings to hear about new frameworks for community development that are responsive to the Justice40 initiative. The conference focused on identifying obstacles, opportunities, and solutions for underserved communities, and building relationships necessary to implement climate equity funding.
- Check out the 25th year of the Public Policy Institute of California statewide survey that shares key findings on Californian’s top issues. Homelessness and housing affordability top the list for most Californians.
- Smart Growth America’s 2023 Equity Summit took place virtually, February 7-9. In case you missed it, you can check out recordings and discussion guides for housing topics including exclusionary zoning, rethinking transportation, cutting emissions and building equitably.
Header image courtesy of halbergman on iStock.
