Getting Inclusionary Housing Right

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Cities across Santa Clara County are considering this powerful tool to build more new affordable homes without subsidy.

But done wrong it can fall short, or even stop the development of new homes in its tracks. Learn how it works, and how to get it right!

Many of our local cities are joining forces right now in a shared nexus study, the wonky and in-depth analysis that assesses the feasibility of local residential development and the potential for developers of market-rate housing to add a share of affordable homes to their buildings.

If cities require too few affordable homes or affordability that’s too shallow, they leave public benefits on the table. Too much, and developers can’t build any housing at all.

Come hear about local cities that are getting it right: successfully using inclusionary housing policies to achieve mixed-income communities, generate funding to subsidize deeper levels of affordability, and gain valuable land for affordable homes!

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May 21, 2025

San José Approves PATH Project at 1921 & 1927 West San Carlos Street

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SV@Home celebrates the City of San José’s unanimous approval of PATH Villas at Buena Vista, a deeply affordable housing development in the heart of the West San Carlos Urban Village.

Image: Architectural Renderings for 1921 West San Carlos Street, Drawing by DAHLIN

Earlier this month, SV@Home joined fellow advocates and community partners at San José City Hall to voice strong support for PATH Villas at Buena Vista—a 100% affordable housing development that will bring 94 new affordable homes to 1921 and 1927 West San Carlos Street. We provided public comment at both the Planning Commission and City Council meetings, emphasizing the project’s impact in helping San José meet its housing goals and create a more inclusive, affordable community.

Led by PATH Ventures, the project will serve individuals and families earning between 30% to 60% of the area median income (AMI), with all homes deed-restricted for at least 55 years. The development also includes permanent supportive housing (PSH) units, nearly 1,800 square feet of commercial space, over 9,000 square feet of open space, and direct access to major VTA transit lines—advancing the City’s goals for sustainable, walkable growth in Urban Village areas.

To make this vision a reality, the project required a comprehensive set of approvals: annexation of the site from unincorporated Santa Clara County, pre-zoning to Urban Village, a General Plan and Urban Village Plan amendment, and a Site Development Permit. These actions were needed to align the site with the City’s long-term planning framework and enable PATH to maximize the site’s potential.

We are thrilled to report that the San José City Council voted unanimously to approve all actions—clearing the way for this much-needed affordable housing to move forward. SV@Home is grateful to the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff for their leadership and commitment. We are proud to support PATH and projects like this that bring us closer to a future where everyone has a place to call home.