Housing affordability and availability remain critical challenges in California. With the enactment of SB 684 and the upcoming implementation of SB 1123, new avenues for small-scale residential development are opening up, promising to bring much-needed relief to homebuyers and the broader community. These laws streamline the entitlement process for small "starter" home developments, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and allowing for more efficient housing production. But how exactly will these changes impact California as a whole?

Santa Barbara, CA – March 21, 2025

Santa Barbara’s housing crisis has long been a pressing issue, with affordability and accessibility posing significant challenges for working families. To address these concerns, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) convened a groundbreaking Housing Innovation Event. Bringing together policymakers, architects, developers, and community leaders, this event served as a catalyst for actionable solutions to expand homeownership opportunities in the region.

The Maulhardt-Stiles development represents an exciting step forward in addressing Ventura County’s housing needs while enhancing the Northeast Oxnard community. If approved and developed as envisioned, the project could bring significant economic and social benefits, providing housing opportunities and new amenities for residents.

When disaster strikes, rebuilding offers a chance to not just restore what was lost, but to create something better. In the wake of the devastating Pacific Palisades fire, which destroyed more than 5,500 homes, a heated debate has emerged: Should rebuilding efforts include more affordable housing, or should the affluent enclave remain exclusive?

A passel of recent California laws were supposed to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing. According to YIMBY Law, they haven’t even come close

Steven Stenzler, left, and Michael Gunning, center, with moderator Mack Carlson, discuss the issues facing the housing industry in the year ahead. The panel was held at the 2024 Santa Barbara Housing Conference on Thursday, December 5.

Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive bipartisan housing package to build on California’s long-term strategy to help address homelessness and housing scarcity.

Cooperative housing is gaining momentum as an innovative solution to the housing affordability crisis in the U.S. Projects like Seattle's Corvidae Co-op showcase collaborative ownership models that blend architectural creativity with financial inclusivity.

Becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner is no easy feat. It’s a path that demands determination, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the promise of a better future. For one Santa Barbara family, this journey is about more than just building a house—it’s about building stability, opportunity, and a brighter tomorrow.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

The housing crisis is complex and multifaceted, but together, we can make a difference. Attending the Santa Barbara Housing Conference is an opportunity to engage with the region’s thought leaders, contribute to ongoing discussions, and find ways to get involved in crafting solutions for our community.

By working together, we can bridge the affordability gap and move toward a future where Santa Barbara’s workforce has access to housing that’s both affordable and accessible. We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Housing Santa Barbara Day, organized by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, is an annual event dedicated to promoting awareness and providing valuable resources to those seeking affordable housing. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, October 19, at De La Guerra Plaza, with activities running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The day features a mix of informational booths, expert-led workshops, and community resources, making it an essential occasion for anyone interested in affordable housing opportunities in the area.

SB 4 is now law, allowing faith-based organizations & non-profit colleges to build affordable homes on their land.

Santa Barbara is facing the challenge of increasing state housing demands while preserving its unique charm. The city has proposed new design standards aimed at ensuring that new developments harmonize with the local architectural style and community character.

The Yardi brothers plan to transform a downtown Santa Barbara commercial building into housing, aiming to address the city's need for more residential units.

In a city renowned for its picturesque coastline and Mediterranean charm, Santa Barbara is facing a crucial debate that pits housing needs against the demand for hotels.

Modular housing, characterized by prefabricated sections constructed off-site and assembled on location, offers innovative solutions to housing shortages, cost overruns, and environmental concerns.

Understanding affordable housing can be complex, as it encompasses various definitions and criteria depending on the region and economic conditions.

Across the country, neighborhood groups are uniting to fund mixed-use developments that meet housing and business demands, giving locals a place to live, work and learn new skills.

Every eight years, the state of California determines the RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) number of housing units each jurisdiction is expected to produce locally to collectively address the statewide lack of housing.