California approves $239 million for 5,400 climate-friendly homes

California Construction News staff writer

New state funding is expected to spur construction of 5,480 climate-friendly homes, including 3,249 affordable along with 2,156 market-rate rentals and 75 units for affordable homeownership. Urban greening, walking and bike paths, public transportation and water management are some of the infrastructure projects going ahead.

Click here to learn more about each local project.

“With nearly a quarter of a billion dollars, California is jump-starting the construction of new and affordable housing throughout the state,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.” In a post pandemic world and as we strive to build more housing, California is using this opportunity to re-imagine the future of our cities – creating communities where people drive less and live closer to their jobs and kids’ schools.”

Significant pre-development costs such as utilities, sidewalks, bike paths, and other key infrastructure often stall housing projects. The $239 million will enable communities to launch projects throughout the state, helping neighborhoods build greener, more walkable communities.

It complements the work of locals who are reducing red tape in order to meet the state’s housing needs and open more opportunities for private development by reducing the costs to build new housing.

“These awards are just the most recent example of the state clearing the path to create more housing at all income levels,” said California Department of Housing & Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez. “We are ensuring that lack of infrastructure is not a barrier to infill housing. These awards are a reflection of cities and counties doing the right things so that, together, we continue to build more housing faster.