The Housing Element update is a once-in-a-decade chance to help shape the future of our communities.
The more people we hear from, the better our plans for the future of housing will reflect what is actually needed. Your voice—along with the voices of your neighbors, our workforce and our young people—are critical for ensuring we have housing that meets all our needs, now and into the future.
Many cities and towns are currently updating their websites and finalizing their timelines. New information will be added to the following webpages as it becomes available.
Timeline for this work
Below is a sample timeline for the Housing Element update work over the next two years. Exact dates and schedules will vary by jurisdiction.
July-August 2021
First round of countywide community outreach
Will include Housing Element update introduction meetings and listening to community priorities and concerns.
We will also be convening an Equity Advisory Group of 12 to 15 community organizations and leaders to help ensure we are engaging as many people as possible and hearing everyone’s voices. These efforts and meetings will be in addition to city-specific outreach being planned in some communities.
March 2021 into 2022
Cities work on their Housing Element updates
Each city will evaluate their existing Housing Element, look at local housing needs, examine constraints on housing production, and develop their plan for ensuring adequate sites for new housing as well as supportive policies for helping make sure it gets built. They will also look at issues such as housing preservation and specific local housing needs and opportunities.
September-October 2021
Second round of countywide community outreach
Will include non-English speaking meetings and outreach, additional meetings on questions about specific city sites or community priorities, and will allow us to find out if we got your first round feedback correct.
Spring 2022
Draft Housing Elements for review by public
Jurisdictions will start sharing their draft Housing Element and related proposals - like rezoning, changes to development standards, and the Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) - with the public for their feedback.
Fall 2022
Public hearings with Council and Commissions
Jurisdictions will hold their Council and related Commission meetings, to finalize their Housing Elements. This is also when the State of California reviews each jurisdictions draft Housing Element to make sure it meets state law requirements.
January 2023
Adopt final Housing Element
Each jurisdiction’s City Council (or Board of Supervisors, for Santa Clara County) will adopt the final Housing Element and submit it to the State of California for final certification.