On June 2 and again on June 9, 2026, the City of Sacramento announced it had renewed its California Prohousing Designation, clocking a score of 108, the highest tally among the state’s Prohousing jurisdictions. The renewal tightens the city’s grip on state housing incentives and gives fresh momentum to local efforts to speed approvals and get more homes built.
How Sacramento Landed the Top Score
City officials say Sacramento secured a 108 on its renewal application, which they describe as the highest score among the 74 jurisdictions that currently hold the designation, and note it was the first jurisdiction in the state to apply for renewal, according to Sacramento City Express. Mayor Kevin McCarty called the designation "an acknowledgement of the hard work we have put in to be a pro-housing leader" and pointed to local reforms such as Streamline Sacramento as part of that push.
What the Designation Rewards
State rules require an overall application score of at least 30 points to earn a Prohousing Designation, and the scoring framework is set up to reward policies that accelerate approvals and reduce development costs, as outlined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The scoring categories explicitly reward actions such as permitting missing-middle housing, establishing ministerial approval processes, consolidating and streamlining permitting, eliminating minimum parking requirements for residential development, and reducing development impact fees for affordable units.
The designation also makes jurisdictions eligible to apply for the Prohousing Incentive Program and to earn bonus points or preferences in competitive state housing and infrastructure funding programs, per the Prohousing Incentive Program.
How the City Has Already Put Prohousing Money to Work
Sacramento has already tapped Prohousing-related funding to move projects forward. In May 2024 the city directed $2.5 million in Prohousing incentive funds to the San Juan Apartments affordable housing project, according to Sacramento City Express. City officials say the renewed designation and top score will help Sacramento stack bonus points in grant competitions while continuing local reforms like Streamline Sacramento.
What to Watch Next
Expect the city to lean on the designation during upcoming grant cycles and to highlight the score when arguing for faster approvals at planning meetings. For developers and affordable housing advocates, the renewal strengthens Sacramento’s case for state backing as projects move from permit to construction.
