City of Oakland California

The City of Oakland is committed to providing affordable housing for its residents.  Since 1988, we have funded the development of over 4300 units of housing. The City has many funding programs that work with non-profit developers to increase the number of affordable housing units. For more information contact the Housing and Community Development Department.

The City provides financing to developers to increase and preserve affordable housing in Oakland. These funds are available from the Redevelopment Agency’s Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Trust Fund and the federal government's HOME program.

Affordable Housing New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation Loan Program

Funds are allocated annually in a competitive process through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The NOFA is typically published in August, applications are due in November, and funding commitments are approved by the City Council in February or March. This allows developers to use our funds to leverage other affordable-housing funds, such as the low-income housing tax credit. Learn more about the New Construction and Substantial Rehabilitation Loan Program.

Predevelopment Loan Program

The Predevelopment Loan Program provides loans to non-profit housing developers to cover pre-development costs (feasibility analysis and preparation of loan applications) and to cover costs of preparing projects for syndication. Learn more about the Predevelopment Loan Program.

Developer and Project Requirements and Guidelines

The following documents contain criteria for assessing developer experience, competence, and capacity, and outline requirements for project development and management.  These documents can be used as a reference to help developers and development teams understand what will be required in order to obtain City funding. 

• Minimum Developer Qualifications, September 2011
• Program Description and Underwriting Requirements, September 2011
• Homeownership Development Program Requirements, September 2011
• Developer Fee Guidelines, September 2011
• Affirmative Fair Marketing Procedures, July 2010
• Oakland Resident and Worker Occupancy Preferences Procedures, August 2010
• Rent Limits, Income Limits and Utility Allowances (updated annually)

Click here for information about existing affordable housing and new projects that are underway.

Rent and Income limits and Utility Allowances apply only to housing subsidized through the City's affordable housing program. Rent increases for housing units in the private market are covered by the City's Rent Adjustment Program.

Click here, for a list of affordable housing developers in Oakland.

Click here for information about how to apply for planning and zoning approvals and how to obtain building permits.