FROM:
Planning Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Prohousing Designation Program Application
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-014, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fontana authorizing application submittal, and participation in, the Prohousing Designation Program.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any documents necessary or appropriate as required for the application and participation in the program.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Practice sound fiscal management by living within our means while investing in the future.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by pursuing financial participation from county, state and federal governments.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by advocating Fontana's position in regional, state, and federal organizations.
DISCUSSION:
Background
The City Council previously adopted Resolution No. 2025-094 to authorize the reapplication for the Prohousing Designation. However, language confirming the city’s compliance with state practices related to sustainability communities and principles related to treatment of unhoused persons is required to be added to meet program requirements. Therefore, an amended resolution is required and attached.
Purpose
The Prohousing Designation Program provides incentives to cities and counties in the form of additional points or other preference in the scoring of competitive housing, community development and infrastructure programs. Prohousing communities are prioritized for funding by the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC), Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG), and Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) programs.
In 2024, the City’s Housing department received a grant in the amount of $1,090,000.00 from the state’s ProHousing Incentive program, which required that any applicant hold the ProHousing designation in order to be eligible to apply.
The City of Fontana was originally awarded the Prohousing Designation in November 2022 and was one of the first seven cities to receive this designation. The two-year duration of the designation concluded in November 2024 and staff intends to reapply for a second Prohousing Designation.
Analysis
Awarding of the designation is considered “over the counter” and is not a competitive process. Any jurisdiction that meets the threshold criteria could potentially be awarded the Prohousing Designation. Applicants are required to demonstrate that policies that significantly contribute to the acceleration of housing production have been enacted or are proposed to be enacted. The scoring criteria are separated into four (4) categories:
1. Favorable Zoning and Land Use
2. Acceleration of Housing Production Timeframes
3. Reduction of Construction and Development Costs
4. Providing Financial Subsidies
Applicants are required to score points in each of the four (4) categories. Points may be awarded for existing prohousing policies or policies that are proposed to be enacted during the two-year designation period. The City of Fontana’s existing policies contribute to the majority of the points staff will seek in the application. Proposed policies will contribute to the reduction of review times for residential development and an increase in the level of customer service provided to the development community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The city has previously been awarded over $1,000,000.00 from the state stemming from its participation in the ProHousing program. Should the ProHousing Designation be awarded, funding opportunities may be pursued in the future.
MOTION:
Accept staff’s recommendation.