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Developing Affordable Housing
Developing Affordable Housing
The Department of Conservation and Development facilitates the development of affordable housing by working with housing developers. Typically, awards are made once per year as part of the annual cycle of Federal/State funding awards. Email dcd.housing@dcd.cccounty.us to be added to the mailing list for notifications of funding opportunities.
Staff is available to discuss project proposals with developers in the early planning stages of a development in order to assist the developer in creating viable and innovative solutions to providing affordable housing. After reading the guidelines below, call 925-655-2882 to speak with the Housing Planner.
Contra Costa County's Affordable Program Guidelines (PDF)
Affordable Housing Resources for renters or homeowners
Affordable Housing Financing Programs
- Multiple-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds
- Federal Programs: HOME and CDBG
- HOME- American Rescue Plan (ARP)
- Local In-lieu fees
- Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA)
Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds
For Detailed information, see the County Debt Policy (PDF).
Program Information
The purpose of the Program is: (1) to increase the supply of rental housing in the County; and
(2) to provide housing units affordable for lower income residents.
The project will be able to use tax-exempt revenue bonds issued by the County pursuant to Section 52075 of the California Health & Safety Code, and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The bonds will not involve any pledge of County revenues, taxes, or assets.
Bonds may be issued for projects which:
- (a) meet program requirements;
- (b) are located in the unincorporated areas of the County or in incorporated areas with approval by both the applicable City and the County;
- (c) have a commitment fee paid by the developer; and
- (d) have a developer loan commitment from an acceptable lender and/or credit enhancement provider.
Loans under the multifamily bond program will generally be amortized for 30 years and will be due at the expiration of the credit enhancement (e.g., typically 7 years for a letter of credit, 40 years for FHA insurance). The bonds may remain outstanding with an extended or replacement credit enhancement. Effective loan rates will depend upon market conditions at the time of bond sale, and the type of bond structure. Bonds to be issued will generally be rated by a nationally recognized rating agency, and carry at least an "A" rating. If a developer is contemplating an issuance of unrated bonds, the developer should immediately contact the County for additional guidance.
Purpose and Priorities
To expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for very-low and low-income families and households.
Eligible Applicants
- Public agencies, non-profit, and for-profit developers
- Fifteen percent (15%) of the Contra Costa County Consortium annual HOME allocation must be reserved for affordable housing projects owned, developed, or sponsored by qualified Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO).
Download the Application for CHDO
Eligible Area
Contra Costa County as the Urban County representative, and the Cities of Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek, are a Consortium for purposes of participation in the HOME Program. HOME funds may be used Countywide.
Target Population
Lower-Income households, defined and as households within incomes less than than or equal to 80 percent of area median income, as defined by HUD. Low-Income Special Needs Population including:
- Seniors and the frail elderly;
- Large families with children;
- Disabled population;
- Persons with alcohol or drug-abuse problems;
- Female-headed households;
- Farmworkers;
- Victims of domestic violence; and
- Homeless
Purpose and Priorities
The purpose of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is to develop viable urban communities through the provision of decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for persons of very-low and low income. All projects funded with CDBG funds must accomplish one of the following national objectives:
- The project must directly benefit very-low and low-income households;
- The project must aid in the elimination of slums and blight; and/or
- The project must act to eliminate conditions which pose a serious and immediate threat to the community welfare.
Eligible Applicants
- Public agencies, non-profit, and for-profit developers
- CDBG may be used for the new construction of housing affordable to and occupied by very-low and low-income households only when undertaken by a qualified Community Based Development Organization (CDBOs). Download the Application for CDBO. (PDF)
- Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) certified by the County for purposed of participating in the HOME Program automatically qualify as a CDBO if their geographic area of operation is limited to one neighborhood and they have received or are expected to receive HOME Funds. Download the Application for CHDO (PDF)
Eligible Area
Contra Costa County Urban County, which includes all of Contra Costa with the exception of the Cities of Antioch, Concord, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek. The latter cities are independent entitlement jurisdictions for the purposed of participation in the CDBG Program and receive separate allocations of CBG funds.
Target Population
Lower-Income households, defined and as households within incomes less than than or equal to 80 percent of area median income, as defined by HUD. Low-Income Special Needs Population including:
- Seniors and the frail elderly;
- Large families with children;
- Disabled population;
- Persons with alcohol or drug-abuse problems;
- Female-headed households;
- Farmworkers;
- Victims of domestic violence; and
- Homeless
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Kristin Sherk
Senior PlannerPhone: (925) 655-2889
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Affordable Housing
Physical Address
30 Muir Road
Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: 925-655-2708