Abstract:

Inclusionary Housing in California: 30 Years of Innovationexamines the increasing prevalence and impact of inclusionary housing programs as one of the most promising ways to address the affordable housing crisis in California. The California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) and the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH) summarize their survey findings and highlight key program features that are successfully creating affordable housing in 20 percent of the localities in California (107 cities and counties). This represents a two-thirds increase in inclusionary programs in California over the last decade, indicating the growing popularity and importance of this affordable housing strategy.

The report is intended to inform policy makers and the public about the central policy decisions in creating an effective inclusionary housing program. This understanding is crucial because inclusionary housing has the potential to create at least 15,000 units of affordable housing annually, nearly doubling the current rate of affordable housing production in California, according to the authors’ calculations. While inclusionary housing is not a substitute for a comprehensive affordable housing strategy, it can and does play a significant role in creating and maintaining vibrant neighborhoods, reducing traffic gridlock, and strengthening families and communities.