The Prohousing Designation Program encourages jurisdictions to pass and implement policies that accelerate housing production, promote favorable zoning and land use, reduce construction and development costs, and provide financial subsidies in an effort to help meet regional housing needs and reduce development barriers. This program is administered by the California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) and additional information about the program, can be found on HCD's website HERE.
Designated jurisdictions can receive priority funding, incentives, and access to grants, including Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC), Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG), Transformative Climate Communities (TCC), Solutions for Congested Corridors (SCCP), Local Partnership Program (LPP), Transit and InterCity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), and Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program (STPG). Designated jurisdictions can also apply to the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) for additional funds to accelerate housing production and preservation.
On March 30, 2023, HCD designated Emeryville a Prohousing Jurisdiction under the Prohousing Designation Program. Designation status will be effective until December 31, 2026.
Emeryville 2022 Consolidated Prohousing Application(PDF, 4MB)
2026 Prohousing Application & Public Comment Period
Draft Application
To maintain the status and remain competitive for key state funding, Emeryville is applying to renew its Proposing Designation status.
HDC Prohousing Application Instructions
Emeryville Draft 2026 Prohousing Application (PDF, 46MB)
Public Comment Period
HCD requires jurisdictions to demonstrate that they have engaged in a Diligent Public Participation Process, which includes having a 30-day public comment period and holding a public hearing. The City is releasing the draft Prohousing Designation Application for public review and comment. The draft application, including the list of identified policies and supporting documentation, is posted on the City's website at https://www.emeryville.org/Services/Housing/Housing-Policy-Initiatives and a hard copy of the application can be viewed in person at 1333 Park Avenue, Emeryville, CA 94608, Monday – Friday from 9am-12pm and 1pm – 5pm.
Public comment period: August 28, 2026 through October 6, 2026
How to submit comments:
- Email housing@emeryville.org
- Mail or deliver to City of Emeryville, c/o Navarre Oaks, 1333 Park Avenue, Emeryville, CA 94608
- Verbal comments can be made at one of the identified public meeting
Public Meetings
- Housing Committee Meeting, Sept 2, 2026 @ 6pm, 1333 Park Avenue, Garden Level Conference Room
- Planning Commission Meeting, Sept 24, 2026 @ 6:30pm, 1333 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor Council Chambers
Public Hearing
- City Council Meeting, Oct 6, 2026 @ 7:15pm, 1333 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor Council Chambers
Comments received during this public comment period will be reviewed by staff and, where appropriate, incorporated into the final application prior to submission to HCD.
Prohousing Implementation Pilot Funding
The PIP Program is intended to increase participation in HCD's Prohousing Designation Program by pairing the designation with grant funding. On May 9, 2023, Emeryville received an award of $575,000 in PIP funding. Emeryville utilized this funding as follows:
- Emeryville Accessible Living Initiative: Provide grants and low-interest rate loans to make accessibility modifications in individual homeowners' homes, and in the common areas of multi-unit buildings, to address the needs of disabled individuals residing at (or visiting) the property or to those senior residents seeking to age in place.
- Operating and Replacement Reserve Program: Support an existing 100% affordable housing development in need of financial resources to address needed repairs and capital maintenance replacements.
- New Construction of Rental Development: Funding to support the new construction of a 100% affordable housing project for households below 60% AMI.
Questions regarding the Emeryville's Prohousing Designation Program, can be submitted to housing@emeryville.org.
In 2024 and 2025, the City Council requested staff to investigate and develop the following tenant protection policies for City Council consideration:
- Tenant Right to Organize Policy
- Expand Just Cause Protections for Below Market Rate (BMR) Tenants
- Temporary Relocation Assistance Policy
Additionally, in 2025, the City received a Transit Oriented Communities Planning Grant to update and expand the following existing tenant protection policies:
- Just Cause & No Fault Eviction Policy
- Relocation Assistance & Tenant's Right to Return Policy
- Tenant Anti-Harassment Policy
Current Status
Staff intend to present draft policy recommendations to City Council at a Study Session on September 15th, 2026. Comments on the proposed policy recommendation, may be submitted in writing to housing@emeryville.org or may be made at the September 15th City Council meeting.
Questions regarding the Tenant Protections Project, can be submitted to housing@emeryville.org.
Emeryville is planning to revise its Affordable Housing Program through the adoption of an Inclusionary Housing Policy and in 2025 hired a consultant to conduct an Inclusionary Housing Policy Study.
For further information on the Inclusionary Housing Project, visitDevelopment Policy Projects or contact Miroo Desai, Planning Manager at mdesai@emeryville.org.