Local Government Toolkit
Social housing isn’t just a state level initiative—local governments can make it happen too. In the United Kingdom, 55% of all social housing is owned and operated by local authorities. In addition to statewide efforts to build social housing throughout California, local cities can embark on building social housing.
Here’s how you can do it:
First, cities and counties must approve an Article 34 authorization. Article 34 narrowly passed in 1950 in California, effectively banning social housing from being built or acquired unless first being voted on by the public. Recently, various cities and counties across California have passed their very own Article 34 authorizations, allowing them to own and operate their own affordable housing.
South San Francisco Measure AA
San Francisco Prop K
Berkeley
Oakland
Emeryville
Sacramento County
Los Angeles
Note: School districts in California have a carve out that allows them to own and operate workforce/student housing without requiring an Article 34 authorization. Various school districts in California have successfully built their own workforce housing including the San Mateo County Community College District.
City Funding Mechanisms
Lease Revenue Bonds
Certificates of Participation
Municipal Bond Measures
