Housing solutions in Sacramento, California take shape

The curated articles discuss efforts to boost housing in Sacramento through various initiatives like ADU laws, support for first-time homebuyers, and plans inspired by other cities. Across the stories, Sacramento focuses on increasing affordable housing, supporting new homeowners, and preventing contractor fraud.

One article describes how seven families in Sacramento built and then purchased their first homes through the Habitat for Humanity program, emphasizing the importance of starter homes in combating the state's housing crisis. Another article highlights a new bill inspired by a Fair Oaks company, aiming to prevent fraud in ADU construction by limiting upfront contractor charges. A separate report explores how housing needs in Sacramento align with those of other growing cities like Denver, addressing future growth strategies and housing pressures. Lastly, Placer County revives its down payment assistance program, helping first-time homebuyers afford homes in an expensive market.

Ahmadullah Safi, 40, was among the people celebrated Saturday morning, Feb. 22, 2025, in Oak Park for recently purchasing a home through a Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento program. By Mathew Miranda

NO. 1: SEVEN SACRAMENTO FAMILIES BUILT THEIR FIRST HOMES AND THEN PURCHASED THEM. HERE’S HOW

These families worked 500 hours of “sweat equity” — labor on their home — to qualify for a 30-year, 0% interest-equivalent mortgage. | Published February 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mathew Miranda

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NO. 2: INSPIRED BY SHUTTERED FAIR OAKS COMPANY, NEW BILL AIMS TO STOP FRAUD FROM ADU BUILDERS

The bill was introduced Tuesday in the California state legislature. | Published February 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Theresa Clift

The A.J., the first completed housing project in The Railyards, is seen in a drone photo July 19, 2023, at 6th Street and Railyards Boulevard in Sacramento. The under-construction Sacramento Superior Courthouse rises at right. By Xavier Mascareñas

NO. 3: IS SACRAMENTO MEETING THE NEED FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT? SEE A MAP OF NEW RENTAL UNITS

The city was projected to need to build 45,580 housing units between 2021 and 2029. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Theresa Clift

The Tower Bridge and Sacramento skyline stand behind the recently opened 805 Riverfront apartments in West Sacramento on Dec. 6, 2024. By Hector Amezcua

NO. 4: WHY DENVER MIGHT FORESHADOW HOW THE SACRAMENTO REGION GROWS IN NEXT 25 YEARS

The Sacramento region is expected to grow its population by 600,000 people in the next 25 years | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mathew Miranda

For sale for $65 million, this Glenbrook, Nevada home on the shores of Lake Tahoe provides a protected area allowing for swimming in calm waters.

NO. 5: PLACER COUNTY REVIVES HOMEBUYER PROGRAM THAT EASES PATH TO OWNERSHIP

Placer County’s new down payment assistance program aims to close housing gap in one of the least affordable regions in CA and the nation. | Published May 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cathie Anderson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.