Prohousing Designation

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has established a Prohousing Designation Program to recognize jurisdictions that have exceeded state law in the creation and implementation of housing programs and policies that facilitate the development and construction of housing. The Prohousing Designation Program provides incentives to jurisdictions in the form of additional points or other preferences in the scoring of competitive grant programs. Most importantly, the Prohousing Designation communicates to developers and landowners that a jurisdiction is committed to increasing housing availability and affordability.

Humboldt County is in the process of submitting a Prohousing Plan to fulfill the requirements of the program and meet Humboldt County’s need for housing at a range of income levels. The plan builds on recent efforts to encourage residential construction through modification of the ordinance codes related to development, the implementation of online permitting system, and continual improvements to our processes.

The County of Humboldt is releasing the application for the State of California’s Prohousing Designation Program and accompanying Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) for public review and input. The application will remain available for public comment through March 26, 2026. To support public engagement, the full application with support documentation has been posted below to provide an opportunity for review and receipt of public input prior to final consideration.

Following the close of the public review period, the County will revise the application to respond to all comments received. The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing adopting a resolution authorizing County staff to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review and approval, giving the Director of Planning and Building review and signatory authority for the designation and associated potential grant. Resolution No. 24-140 was passed on December 11, 2024 and re-authorized by the BOS on March 17, 2026. 

The Prohousing Designation Program recognizes jurisdictions that go above and beyond state housing law to accelerate housing production. Jurisdictions that receive a Prohousing Designation become eligible to apply for the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP), which provides funding to help accelerate the production and preservation of affordable housing and support the Housing Element and Housing Programs.

How to Participate

The Prohousing Designation application requires the County of Humboldt to identify housing policies and programs that have been completed or are planned for completion within the next three years.

The full application can be accessed online below with all support documentation available. Public comments may be submitted through the County website contacts for PLBL or emailed directly to jmoredo2@co.humboldt.ca.us. Residents, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to review the draft application and participate in the public process.