This month’s Sticks & Bricks highlights critical funding deadlines, emerging policy developments, and new programs shaping the affordable housing landscape in 2026. From HOME and CDBG opportunities to developer resources, workforce pipelines, and upcoming industry convenings, we are rounding up what you need to stay informed and connected.
Funding Opportunities
Explore these new funding sources for affordable housing development:
NEW: AHSC Round 10 Final Guidelines Released
HCD and the Strategic Growth Council have released the Round 10 AHSC Final Guidelines, advancing funding for housing, transportation, and infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support compact, transit-oriented development. The NOFA will be released March 4, workshops will take place March 23–25, and applications are due May 4th.
NEW: HOME Investment Partnerships Program (2025 NOFA)
HCD has released approximately $34 million in HOME funding to support multifamily rental housing and first-time homebuyer development projects across California. Applications are due March 30, 2026, and developers are encouraged to apply while funds remain available.
HCD – CDBG Program (2025 NOFA, Amendment #1)
HCD has amended the 2025 CDBG NOFA to extend application timelines, with the portal opening February 2, and applications due April 3, 2026.
San Jose Rolling RFP
The City of San José has launched a rolling Affordable Housing Development RFP for its Gap Financing Program, accompanied by updated underwriting guidelines. Projects submitted will be publicly scored, with top proposals prioritized for funding and the remainder added to a new waitlist.
Homekey+ and Tribal Homekey+
The State of California has launched two parallel funding programs to expand Permanent Supportive Housing for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with behavioral health challenges. The Homekey+ NOFA provides $2.145 billion for projects serving veterans and other individuals with behavioral health needs, and the Tribal Homekey+ NOFA allocates $121 million specifically for Tribes and Tribal Entities.
News and Resources
Access important resources and guidance for affordable housing development:
At SV@Home, we are committed to providing developers with the resources necessary to effectively train staff on how to respond to potential ICE raids. Here we have compiled a list of available resources to help navigate these challenges.
NEW: Supporting Mixed-Status Families Receiving Federal Housing Assistance
Terner Center has released a timely commentary outlining how recent HUD actions and a forthcoming federal rule could put mixed-status families currently receiving federal housing assistance at risk, and what state/local governments and community partners can do to keep households stably housed.
NEW: Housing Action Coalition – 2026 Developer Pathway Program
The Housing Action Coalition has launched the Developer Pathway Program, a one-year pilot designed to support BIPOC and women-led developers with real, active projects through early-stage technical assistance, feasibility guidance, and structured feedback. Applications are due February 26, 2026.
The California Coalition for Rural Housing (CCRH) is now accepting applications for its one year, paid internship program for students and emerging professionals looking to break into affordable housing and community development. Interns are placed with nonprofit housing developers, earn $20/hour, and receive hands-on experience and mentorship, with a priority application deadline of March 27th.
NEW: February Development Milestones!
Congratulations to Eden Housing and Charities Housing on breaking ground on The Magnolias in Morgan Hill and the Santa Teresa in San José. These milestones reflect the strong partnerships and sustained commitment required to deliver affordable housing and expand long-term housing stability.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these key industry events:
NEW: NPH Emerging Leaders Peer Network (ELPN)
NPH’s Emerging Leaders Peer Network (ELPN) supports the next generation of affordable housing professionals through networking, training, and leadership development opportunities across the field. You won’t want to miss the ELPN 2026 Kick-Off Event taking place February 26 at 5:30 PM!
NEW: SV@Home Open House: March 6 (9:00–10:30 AM)
Join us as we open the doors to SV@Home’s new office at 110 North 3rd Street in San José for coffee, pastries, and housing conversation. Stop by for free on March 6 from 9:00–10:30 AM to connect with the team, meet fellow housers, and help us break in the new space!
NEW: Mass Timber Momentum: Manufacturing Residential Buildings in California
SPUR, Catalyze SV, and WoodWorks are hosting a virtual discussion on how mass timber and prefabrication are transforming multifamily housing delivery and expanding scalable solutions for California’s housing shortage. Join the free Digital Discourse on March 24 (12:00–1:00 PM) to hear from industry leaders on emerging projects, manufacturing innovations, and the future of mass timber.
NEW: ULI Housing the Bay Summit
ULI San Francisco’s annual Housing the Bay Summit returns on April 15, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, bringing together 400+ housing leaders, developers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the next chapter of housing in the Bay Area. Join this half-day summit for discussions on housing supply, affordability, innovation, and policy, with early pricing available through April 12 and discounted ticket opportunities open until March 22, 2026.
NEW: Innovating Affordability: Workforce Housing Solutions for Today’s Market
ULI is hosting a free virtual panel on March 11 exploring innovative strategies to create and preserve workforce and affordable housing in today’s challenging market. Join industry leaders to learn about creative financing, preservation tools, and policy solutions shaping the future of housing affordability.