The city of Mountain View last week received the “Prohousing” community designation by Governor Gavin Newsom and the state department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Mountain View is the first city in Santa Clara County to earn the title, which recognizes jurisdictions that are leading the way to facilitate the development of housing across income levels, such as reducing barriers to housing, streamlining the development process, implementing effective zoning and land use policies and funding affordable housing.
“The distinction of being named a ‘Prohousing’ community is another affirmation of the great work the city of Mountain View has done, and continues to do to build housing,” said Mayor Pat Showalter. “The city has a clear vision of what we want the Mountain View of tomorrow to look like, and that includes increasing the quantity, affordability and diversity of housing options, including assistance for the unhoused. We thank Governor Newsom and HCD for recognizing our efforts and for their partnership.”
Prohousing communities receive exclusive access to Prohousing grants, as well as receiving additional points in the scoring of competitive housing, community development and infrastructure funding programs administered by HCD.
This funding will help the city to continue to advance its affordable housing pipeline and build out the infrastructure needed to support residential development to address ongoing housing needs.
“Communities whether large or small, rural or urban, are actively working to accelerate the development of housing for Californians at all income levels,” said HCD director Gustavo Velasquez, in the Jan. 31 announcement. “We are pleased to be able to reward our Prohousing partners with incentives to help them build on their innovative efforts to break down barriers to development.”
Mountain View is one of seven cities and counties that has received the ‘Prohousing’ designation so far in 2024. In total, there are 37 jurisdictions in California that have received the Prohousing designation.
