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Contact Information

Rosie Dyste
Principal Planner
(805) 897-2569
RDyste@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

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Prohousing Designation Program

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The City of Santa Barbara is excited to announce our intent to pursue a Prohousing Designation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This designation will recognize Santa Barbara’s commitment to accelerating housing production and implementing housing-friendly policies.

In 2024, City Council adopted a resolution authorizing application to and participation in the Prohousing Designation Program. Threshold requirements for the Prohousing Designation include having a certified Housing Element, engaging in a public participation process, complying with applicable state housing law related to the Permit Streamlining Act and CEQA, and more.

Prohousing Designation Application Review

Initial Submittal September 2025

After the required public review period, the Prohousing Designation Application was submitted to HCD for a for a 60-day review period on September 12, 2025. In Fall 2025, HCD contacted the City and requested revisions to the Self-Scoring Sheet (Appendix 3) and Encampment Response (Appendix 5).  

Revised Submittal February 2026

The Prohousing Designation Application was revised based on input from HCD and was available for the required seven day public review period starting on February 17, 2026.  Two public comment letters were received during the public comment period and are attached to Appendix 6. The revised application was submitted to HCD on February 25, 2026. For convenience, Appendix 7 (with hyperlinks to Supporting Documentation) is provided under separate cover.  

Benefits to Applying

Receiving a Prohousing Designation documents the City’s commitment to housing and recognizes the work that has already been done to address the City’s housing shortage and affordability crisis. The Prohousing Designation makes the City eligible to apply for Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) funds, a state investment from the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund, to create and conserve affordable housing. It also makes the City eligible for priority processing or funding points when applying for several infrastructure and other funding programs, including:

  • Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities
  • Infill Infrastructure Grant
  • Transformative Climate Communities
  • Solutions for Congested Corridors
  • Local Partnership Program
  • Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program

Learn More

California Department of Housing and Community Development's Prohousing webpage for more details about the Prohousing Designation Program.