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Committee backs bill to let in‑kind support count toward RHNA credit for community land trusts
Summary
SB457 clarifies that certain nonmonetary city supports—below‑market land leases, predevelopment assistance and other in‑kind services—can count toward 25% of a jurisdiction’s RHNA obligation for preservation and community land trust projects. Members asked the author and HCD to tighten language on valuation and scoring of in‑kind assistance before finalization.
Sen. Becker (presented by Sen. Grayson) sought to ease barriers for community land trusts (CLTs) by clarifying state law to affirm that in‑kind services—such as below‑market land leases, predevelopment assistance, and donated materials or land—qualify as committed assistance that municipalities can count toward 25% of their RHNA adequate‑sites obligation.
Supporters from the California Community Land Trust Network and local CLTs said the change would help smaller jurisdictions use nonmonetary assets to preserve naturally occurring affordable housing. The author said the bill adds definitional clarity and authorizes HCD to publish guidance on additional valid in‑kind services.
Sen. Caballero and others pressed for more precision: how will predevelopment loans or below‑market leases be valued for RHNA scoring? The author and presenter acknowledged the need for more specific scoring rules and accepted committee amendments; the bill passed to appropriations with directions for HCD guidance and clearer metrics.
Committee members said the measure should not enable jurisdictions to evade RHNA obligations but should expand practical avenues to meet them.
