Since 1969, California has required local governments to plan
adequately for housing needs. HCD, along with other agencies,
assesses data to determine current and future housing needs in
each region, known as RHNA. Regional governments then allocate
these housing needs to local governments, which create housing
plans called housing elements.
Based on extensive stakeholder engagement, the report suggests
that while the RHNA process is fundamentally sound, it needs
adjustments to fully achieve its goals by 2040. The
recommendations include statutory changes and adjustments to
administrative processes.
The suggested modifications in the report aim to accurately
account for current and future housing needs, streamline housing
development, promote fair housing, advance climate goals, and
tackle California’s housing shortage.
