Three affordable housing developers were awarded a total of nearly $90 million, from two extremely competitive State of California funding programs, intended to develop green, resilient affordable housing in Oakland.

 These three new construction developments will provide 462 units of affordable family housing for Oakland residents, prevailing wage construction jobs, and local contracting opportunities.   

 The California Dept. of Housing and Community Development (CAHCD) in partnership with the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) announced millions of dollars in awards for the Round 5 Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program Notice of Funding Availability (AHSC NOFA), approved on June 25.

 Through that award, two Oakland projects received nearly $60 million in AHSC funding for affordable housing and related greenhouse gas emission-reducing measures:

• Mandela Station Transit-Oriented Development in West Oakland received $29,659,310 for housing, transit, and related improvements
• Fruitvale Transit Village IIB at Fruitvale BART Station received $29,966,039

These awards will help support building projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Funding for the AHSC program is provided from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), an account established to receive Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds.

“These grants mark a significant investment to build more affordable housing for Oakland families right now,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “Building hundreds of affordable housing units near major public transportation hubs also improves our climate and creates a healthier, more sustainable Oakland, for all of our residents. 

In addition, CAHCD and SCG also awarded funding to Oakland’s community-driven ‘Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors’ proposal through a multi-year grant of $28.2 million. 

The proposal represents a partnership between the City of Oakland, multiple community organizations, and local residents to implement five projects across a five-square-mile area in deep East Oakland over the next five years; including an anchor affordable housing project 95th and International, which will provide 55 units of 100% affordable housing and a ground-floor health clinic. 

Other components of the proposal include a community trail along the San Leandro Creek, the planting of 2000 trees, a community-based hydroponics nursery, and a youth bike-sharing program. 

The Fruitvale Transit Village IIB and 95th and International developments are also funded by voter-approved Oakland Measure KK for affordable housing, as well as affordable housing and jobs-housing impact fees. 

“This is a great example of how City resources can leverage State funds to advance critical projects that will have a significant impact on our communities,” said Shola Olatoye, director of Housing and Community Development. “These projects help the fight against displacement and disinvestment in East and West Oakland.”

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