Host: California Department of Housing and Community Development & Gateway Cities Council of Governments
Region: Southern California
Openings: 2
Project Focus: Affordable Housing
Skills Needed: Community Engagement, Research, Community Outreach, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Self-Motivated

Service Needs & Plans

The Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG), in collaboration with HCD, is undertaking a wide variety of strategies to address such issues such as affordability, including affirmatively furthering fair housing, creating zoned capacity for housing, ensuring compliance with state housing laws, strategies to encourage pro-housing policies at the local level, disposition of surplus lands, and other innovative housing strategies. The COG is broadening outreach and education strategies for its 27 member cities,
conducting affordable housing research and expanding its analysis of housing production in the subregion, expanding an online hub of resources relating to planning for, producing and preserving housing for member cities, and utilizing HCD funding to address housing needs across the Gateway subregion.

The overall goal of this project will be to engage directly with local governments in the Gateway subregion to promote and track the implementation of innovative housing strategies that are adopted in jurisdictions in the subregion and inform policymaking at the local level related to housing planning and implementation, in line with the specific projects detailed below. Cities’ ability to access State funding programs for affordable housing is dependent upon not only adoption and HCD certification of their 6th cycle housing elements, but also in completing the implementation actions that are identified in the element, including adopting and updating local ordinances, such as zoning codes, accessory dwelling unit ordinances, emergency shelter and interim housing rules, and the like.

Project Description

1. Housing outreach, coordination, and technical assistance for the 27 Gateway Cities, especially related to REAP 2.0, Prohousing, and Housing element implementation.

2. Develop subregional tools, inventories, and resources to inform housing and advancing equity policymaking.

3. Expand Gateway Cities’ housing policy tracker and associated tools based on local housing element policy implementation.

4. Help jurisdictions with analysis needs related to Housing Element implementation by providing 1-on-1 assistance to member cities and serve as a liaison to increase access to housing funding and housing – related programs.

Desired Skills

We are looking for fellows who are self-motivative and have aspirations to make in impact in communities they work with. Various local and regional government agencies across the state face capacity issues and are unable to apply for state funding opportunities and are not able to implement policies and programs needed for state housing law compliance. We hope the fellow can help facilitate the implementation of these commitments while also engaging with the communities needs in being a liaison between HCD and their government agency.

Organization & Community Highlights

At HCD we are in inclusive workplace that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. We are flexible with working conditions, provide equipment if needed, and provide monthly training is provided focused on equity and inclusivity. At HCD we are the leading agency in the state that is setting the foundation for all local and regional government agencies in assisting implement policies and programs that comply with state housing law while also providing technical assistance in interested agencies applying for state funding grants.

Remote or On-Site Placement

Hybrid or On-site preferred, Remote possible.

Fellows can report to the Sacramento or Los Angeles office.