Fresno regains eligibility to apply for state’s pro-housing designation

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The City of Fresno announced Thursday that it has been authorized to apply for a program that could help bring more affordable housing development.

It comes after Fresno’s Prohousing Designation Program was revoked by the state in May after two years.

The designation program is an initiative that rewards cities actively working to meet state housing goals. It opens the door to competitive funding opportunities that can “significantly accelerate” local affordable housing developments, city officials say.

When the city lost the pro-housing designation, it missed seven of the 33 requirements to receive the designation. Fresno’s Mayor Jerry Dyer said that without the designation, the city stands to miss out on millions of dollars in potential state funding.

“This designation will reinforce our commitment to tackling the housing crisis and bring in critical resources to help build more homes, faster,” said Dyer on Thursday.

Following the approval, the city said it’s one step closer to becoming eligible for key incentives and competitive grants through state housing programs.

In order for the city to be re-designated, it must meet all the criteria of the program and submit a qualifying application to the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Residents will have the opportunity to submit public comments until Sept. 12.