This new designation could speed construction of 1,200 homes in Roseville. Here’s how it works

Roseville received a coveted distinction by state housing officials Thursday, making it easier for workforce housing to be built in the city.

In a news release, the California Department of Housing and Community Development gave Roseville the Prohousing Designation, which means the city is now given priority when seeking funding for affordable housing projects.

Previously, Sacramento was the only city is the state to earn the status. It’s given to municipalities that clear and streamline permitting processes for workforce housing, making it as straight-forward as possible.

The distinction is a significant advantage in the competition to secure funding to get these projects built because they depend on state and federal grants. Without it, it can often take years for developers to find enough funding for a project.

“We estimate this designation will push several projects forward producing as many as 1,200 affordable units in Roseville within the next 18-24 months,” Roseville Development Services Director Mike Isom said in a news release.

Workforce housing is for residents who earn 80% of the area median income, which in Roseville means families of four earning about $80,000 a year.

“Our City Council has been very clear, we want people to be able to live in our community,” said Lauren Hocker, City of Roseville senior planner. “We don’t want to be an elitist community.”

In the past, Roseville has struggled to get funding when competing against big cities, especially high density Bay Area projects, said planning manager Greg Bitter.

“The (Prohousing Designation) helps advance our chances,” he said.

City staff started working toward getting this designation in 2019 by making changes to the city’s housing element, the city’s plan for meeting the housing needs of people at all income levels.

“The City itself does not build housing. That is the role of private developers,” said Isom in the news release. “Our responsibility is to set the table for development and provide a clear, predictable and efficient permitting process that allows much needed housing to be built more quickly.”

The designation was also given to the cities of Citrus Heights, West Sacramento, San Diego, Oakland and Fontana.