RFI - notice of funding availability for affordable housing acquisition, construction, preservation, and rehabilitation

The State of California is issuing a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for affordable housing acquisition, construction, preservation, and rehabilitation projects, with applications due November 19, 2026. The County of San Diego is issuing a concurrent NOFA for multi-family affordable housing development; a virtual industry day is scheduled for October 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public agencies, and for-profit developers. Projects must serve low-income households earning up to 80 percent of Area Median Income or extremely low-income households at 30 percent AMI or below, depending on funding source. Funding sources include HOME Investment Partnerships funds, state general funds, and the Affordable Housing Program. Projects may support rental or ownership housing and must demonstrate financial feasibility, community need, and developer capacity. Affordability periods range from 30 to 55 years depending on subsidy amount.

Applicants must complete a standardized application workbook that includes project descriptions, financial projections including development costs and pro forma operating budgets, organizational capacity assessments, and community benefit documentation. All projects must comply with California Environmental Quality Act requirements and applicable fair housing and nondiscrimination standards.

Evaluation priorities favor projects serving extremely low-income households, those addressing regional housing shortages, projects located in high-opportunity areas, developments incorporating supportive services or innovative design elements, and proposals that leverage additional funding sources. Specific funding amounts, total available funding for the round, and detailed eligibility criteria are referenced as available through the County of San Diego's website at www.sdhcd.org or by contacting community.development@sdcounty.ca.gov. Applicants are encouraged to attend the October 15 virtual industry day and complete an RSVP form for meeting details.