Agenda Item Wording:
title
Prohousing Public Hearing – Conduct the first public hearing to review and comment on the proposed submission of an application to the State’s Prohousing Designation Program to designate the City of Visalia as a prohousing city, enabling access to additional state funding for critical housing and infrastructure projects in Visalia.
body
Agenda Date: 09/08/2026
Prepared by:
Brandon Smith, Principal Planner, brandon.smith@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4636;
Margie Perez, Housing Specialist, margie.perez@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4460;
Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, paul.bernal@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4025
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Council conduct the first of two public hearings to receive verbal comments, prior to the submission of an application to the State’s Prohousing Designation Program to designate the City of Visalia as a Prohousing city, allowing for access to additional state funding for critical housing and infrastructure projects.
Summary:
The State of California created the Prohousing Designation Program to acknowledge and support jurisdictions that take local actions to accelerate housing production. To be designated, the City must meet all the criteria of the program and submit a qualifying application to Housing and Community Development (HCD).
A draft application was released for public comment from August 21st to September 21st, 2026. Staff will address any comments received during the public comment period and will circulate any revised draft applications, if necessary, for a minimum of 7 days. At this time, Council can change the draft application; however, any changes together with changes addressed through the initial public comment require re-circulation for a minimum of 7 days.
Background Discussion:
The Prohousing Designation Program (PDP, or Program) was created by the California State Legislature through the 2019-2020 Budget Act. The Program seeks to r...
Click here for full text