November 3, 2026

Sticks & Bricks News for Developers: November Edition

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This edition of Sticks & Bricks highlights new funding and development opportunities for affordable housing developers across Santa Clara County, including opportunities from the cities of San José, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto. Explore important updates to California’s affordable housing finance regulations, resources for preserving existing affordable housing, and opportunities to provide feedback on proposed changes. Plus, check out upcoming training, community conversations, and networking events to connect with fellow housing professionals and partners across the region.

Land and Funding Opportunities 

Explore these new funding sources for affordable housing development:

  • Homekey+ andTribal 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.
  • NEW: City of San Jose Housing Department NOFA
    • The City of San Jose Housing Department is accepting proposals for its 2027–2028 NOFA, with federal funding available to support eligible housing and community development activities. Qualified organizations interested in applying should review the NOFA and required materials through Biddingo and submit proposals by Friday, February 5, 2027, at 4:00 PM PT.
  • NEW: City of Santa Clara’s Downtown Mixed-Use Development RFP
    • The City of Santa Clara is seeking development proposals for a 4.83-acre, City-owned site at 900 and 1000 Lafayette Street to help revitalize its downtown. The project calls for at least 300 homes, including 25% affordable to low-income households, alongside retail, public spaces, and community amenities. Interested developers must attend a mandatory in-person pre-proposal conference on Wednesday, November 18. 
  • NEW: City of Palo Alto’s 2027–2028 CDBG Funding Opportunity
    • The City of Palo Alto is accepting applications for approximately $512,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support affordable housing, rehabilitation, and other eligible community development activities. A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held November 12 at 11:00 AM. Applications are due January 13, 2027, at 5:00 PM. View the NOFA and application materials.

News and Resources

Access important resources and guidance for affordable housing development:

  • ICE Response Resources
    • 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: HDFC Second Draft Regulations Open for Public Comment
    • California’s Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) has released its second draft regulations for the state’s new consolidated affordable housing funding system. Developers are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback on funding eligibility, project scoring, and application requirements. A public hearing will be held November 9, with written comments due November 17 at 5:00 PM. NPH and Housing California will also host a stakeholder input session on November 12, from 1:00–2:30 PM.
  • NEW: HCD’s Qualified Entity Certification for Affordable Housing Preservation
    • The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) offers a certification process for nonprofits, public agencies, and other eligible organizations interested in purchasing and preserving existing affordable housing. Certified Qualified Entities (QEs) receive notifications of potential acquisition opportunities and have a right of first refusal under California’s affordable housing preservation laws.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these key industry events:

  • NEW: SV@Home’s Policy & Pastries: Election Debrief
    • Join SV@Home on Friday, November 6, from 9:30–11:00 AM in San José for our next Policy & Pastries. This month, we will discuss early election results, explore what they could mean for housing policy, and connect with fellow housing advocates and community partners. Come by for coffee, pastries, and a conversation about the work ahead.
  • NEW: ELPN Presents; Affordable Housing Career Development and Pathways
    • Join NPH and the Emerging Leaders Peer Network (ELPN) on Monday, November 9, at 11:30 AM for a virtual training exploring career pathways across the affordable housing industry. Participants will learn about different roles, responsibilities, and skills involved in affordable housing development, followed by a panel of industry professionals sharing their advice for emerging leaders. Registration is free for current NPH members and $10 for nonmembers.
  • NEW: Abode Services’ Beyond the Bridge Documentary Screening
    • Join Abode Services & Destination Home on Wednesday, November 18, from 5:00–8:00 PM for a screening of Beyond the Bridge, a documentary exploring innovative, community-driven approaches to addressing homelessness across the country. The screening will be followed by a discussion with local leaders on effective housing solutions, lessons learned, and opportunities for collaboration.
  • NEW: SV@Home’s Holiday Happy Housers Party
    • Join SV@Home on Wednesday, December 9, from 6:00–8:00 PM for our annual Holiday Happy Housers Party! Celebrate another year of housing advocacy alongside developers, community partners, and fellow housing advocates over food, drinks, and an ugly holiday sweater contest. Tickets include food and one drink, with discounted admission available for SV@Home members. Location details to be announced soon.