A new regional study is paving the way for updated, locally tailored tools to boost affordable housing through policies such as commercial linkage fees (CLF) and inclusionary housing ordinances (IHO).

Cities across Santa Clara County are teaming up to take a big step forward in tackling the region’s affordability crisis. Through the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdiction Affordable Housing Study, local jurisdictions are working together to evaluate how new development can better support affordable housing. This effort centers around three powerful policy tools: residential impact fees, commercial linkage fees, and inclusionary housing requirements. The goal? To give cities data-driven, legally sound, and market-informed options for ensuring that as our communities grow, they grow more equitably—with housing opportunities for everyone.

Each participating city is choosing its own path through the study, opting into the specific areas most relevant to its local needs. These include a Residential Nexus and Feasibility Study, which examines how new housing developments contribute to the demand for affordable homes and whether impact fees are viable; a Commercial Linkage Fee Study, which evaluates how commercial growth (like offices or hotels) creates additional housing demand for workers; and an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Study, which helps cities design or update policies that require a share of new homes to be affordable. Taken together, these tools give jurisdictions a clearer picture of what’s possible—and how to balance affordable housing goals with the realities of today’s development market.

We’re excited to see this study continue to unfold and look forward to the insights it will bring. With the right mix of data and collaboration, this effort could open new doors for investment in affordable housing, even in tough markets. Thank you to the  Planning Collaborative for leading these efforts—SV@Home is eager to see the final results take shape in cities across Santa Clara County.