Citrus Heights council approves renewal of Pro Housing Designation, opening eligibility for roughly $990,000 in state incentive funds

The Citrus Heights City Council voted unanimously Dec. 10 to renew the city’s Pro Housing Designation and to authorize application for Pro Housing Incentive funds from the State of California.

Allison Bermudez of the Community Development Department’s Planning Division told the council the designation recognizes jurisdictions that streamline housing approvals and follow best practices. Bermudez said the city’s application proposes no new local policies and highlighted recent local projects, including the Sayonara redevelopment in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and a senior permanent supportive housing conversion at Auburn Oaks. If re-designated, Citrus Heights would be eligible for approximately $990,000 in incentive funds, Bermudez said, noting the city previously received about $960,000 under the program.

Councilmembers expressed support for the application; Council Member Schaefer moved the resolutions and the council adopted them by unanimous voice vote. Staff said eligible uses for the funds include housing rehabilitation, utility infrastructure improvements and similar projects, and that the application and any public comments collected during the hearing will be submitted to the state HCD (Housing and Community Development). The resolutions authorized submission of the renewal application and, should the designation be granted, the subsequent application for incentive funds.