Berkeley Leads NorCal in Prohousing Push, Aims for 2.5M Homes by 2030

Key Takeaway

• Berkeley named a "prohousing" city by California, alongside five other NorCal cities, for encouraging housing development across income levels.
• The city's efforts include building accessory dwelling units, removing parking requirements, and rezoning for higher density.
• Prohousing designation gives Berkeley access to exclusive grants and incentives aimed at supporting the state's goal of 2.5 million new homes by 2030.

Berkeley Leads the Charge in Prohousing Initiatives

Governor Gavin Newsom's recent announcement naming Berkeley among other California cities as "prohousing" marks a significant milestone in the state's efforts to combat its housing crisis. This designation, as reported by the San Francisco Business Times, recognizes Berkeley's proactive measures in encouraging housing development across all income levels. Notably, Berkeley's strategies include prioritizing the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), awarding development loans, and eliminating minimum parking requirements. These efforts align with California's ambitious goal to construct 2.5 million new homes by 2030, addressing the acute need for affordable housing.

A Model for Housing Development

Berkeley's approach to housing development serves as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges. The city's focus on ADUs, also known as "granny flats," alongside significant policy reforms such as removing parking minimums for new developments, demonstrates a commitment to innovative and flexible housing solutions. The Department of Housing and Community Development, under the leadership of Gustavo Velasquez, emphasizes that earning the prohousing designation requires a demonstrated commitment to removing construction barriers and accelerating housing production. This recognition not only highlights Berkeley's progressive policies but also sets a precedent for other jurisdictions to follow.

Incentives and Accountability in Prohousing Policies

The Prohousing Designation Program, established by the 2019–2020 Budget Act, offers a framework for incentivizing and holding accountable prohousing communities. Berkeley, along with 46 other cities and counties, now has exclusive access to grants and additional points in competitive funding programs for housing, community development, and infrastructure. This financial support, including a share of $9.5 million available in the Prohousing Incentive Program Round 2, is crucial for sustaining and expanding efforts to increase housing availability. Such incentives are a testament to the state's commitment to not only encourage but also materially support municipalities that adopt prohousing policies.

Berkeley's Pipeline of Housing Projects

Berkeley's housing strategy is already yielding tangible results, with dozens of apartment projects in the pipeline. Notable developments include a 25-story tower and a 28-story building that will become the tallest in the city, significantly increasing the housing stock. The city's recent rezoning efforts, particularly around the UC Berkeley campus, aim to alleviate the housing shortage for students and faculty by nearly doubling the development potential of the neighborhood. These ambitious projects underscore Berkeley's dedication to addressing its housing needs through density and height, setting a bold standard for urban development.