The Housing Plan identifies the City of Hayward’s housing goals, policies, and programs. The overall strategy is to present a balanced and diverse array of programs which address the main issue areas of construction, preservation of affordable housing, conservation of naturally occurring affordable housing, rehabilitation, and administration. Hayward’s Housing Plan includes the six following themes: 

6.1 Introduction

The following section provides a summary of contributing factors that serve as barriers to opportunity and fair housing choice in Hayward. The full Fair Housing Assessment (Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) discussion is in Appendix F.

3.1 Introduction

State Housing Element Law (Govt Code 65580 et. seq.) requires regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to identify each member jurisdictions’ “fair share allocation” of the RHNA provided by HCD. Each city and county must demonstrate their capacity to accommodate their local share of regional housing needs in the community’s housing element.

2.1 Introduction

The primary goal of the housing element is to ensure adequate housing for all of Hayward’s present and future residents. Housing needs are determined by the City’s population and its existing housing stock. An assessment of the demographic, socioeconomic, and housing characteristics in Hayward is required to help the City effectively target its programs and resources toward households with the greatest need.

1.1 Housing Element Purpose & Content

The State of California has stated that the availability of decent and suitable housing for every California family is “a priority of the highest order.” This objective has become increasingly urgent in recent years as communities across the state struggle to meet the housing needs of all their residents. The Housing Element is the primary tool for cities and counties to create a road map to meet their housing goals.