Housing affordability and availability remain critical challenges in California, a state known for their scenic beauty, historical charm, and constrained housing markets. With the enactment of SB 684 and the upcoming implementation of SB 1123, new avenues for small-scale residential development are opening up, promising to bring much-needed relief to homebuyers and the broader community. These laws streamline the entitlement process for small "starter" home developments, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and allowing for more efficient housing production. But how exactly will these changes impact California as a whole, and what benefits can we expect?

Thousand Oaks is witnessing significant developments in its housing landscape, with two major multifamily projects poised to reshape the community. These initiatives aim to address the city's growing demand for residential and mixed-use spaces.

In a meaningful step toward addressing California’s ongoing housing crisis, the city of Simi Valley has approved a plan to construct a 26-unit affordable housing complex on the site of an existing church. This innovative project not only represents a creative use of underutilized land but also highlights the power of community partnerships in creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions.

California's housing crisis has prompted innovative solutions to increase housing availability and revitalize underutilized spaces. One such approach involves transforming existing structures and areas—like parking lots, vacant retail spaces, and shopping malls—into mixed-use developments that incorporate residential units. A notable example is the recent proposal for the Simi Valley Town Center.

Santa Maria, CA – March 27, 2025

The Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit served as a critical platform for industry leaders to confront the multifaceted challenges of housing development in California. Through collective efforts and innovative approaches, there is hope for a more efficient and responsive housing development process that aligns with both environmental stewardship and the pressing need for affordable housing.​

Santa Barbara, CA – March 21, 2025

Santa Barbara’s housing crisis has long been a pressing issue, with affordability and accessibility posing significant challenges for working families. To address these concerns, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) convened a groundbreaking Housing Innovation Event. Bringing together policymakers, architects, developers, and community leaders, this event served as a catalyst for actionable solutions to expand homeownership opportunities in the region.

After more than seven years, reconstruction has begun on the former Hawaiian Village apartment complex in Ventura, which was destroyed in the 2017 Thomas Fire. The new 52-unit project, now named Bella Vita, is expected to welcome residents by early 2027. The first of four buildings is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year. The complex aims to recapture its previous charm, offering beautiful views and modern amenities. The developers hope to attract former residents back to the community.

The Maulhardt-Stiles development represents an exciting step forward in addressing Ventura County’s housing needs while enhancing the Northeast Oxnard community. If approved and developed as envisioned, the project could bring significant economic and social benefits, providing housing opportunities and new amenities for residents.

March 28, 2025

Building a Stronger Ventura in a space where community voices shape the future! Whether you’re interested in development, permits, housing, or city planning, this is your hub for staying informed and getting involved. The goal is to keep the community connected with the latest projects, initiatives, and opportunities to engage with Community Development staff.

As Los Angeles rebuilds after the fires and housing demand continues to rise, homeowners and developers are seeking innovative ways to create affordable, sustainable, and resilient living spaces.

April 26 & 27, 2025

Over two days and nine inspiring films, discover the bold visions of renowned architects like Eileen Gray and R.M. Schindler, the groundbreaking artistry of Anselm Kiefer and Nam June Paik, the creative courage of women street artists and the timeless innovation of Man Ray’s cinematic masterpieces, all in a celebration of art, architecture and imagination.

When disaster strikes, rebuilding offers a chance to not just restore what was lost, but to create something better. In the wake of the devastating Pacific Palisades fire, which destroyed more than 5,500 homes, a heated debate has emerged: Should rebuilding efforts include more affordable housing, or should the affluent enclave remain exclusive?

The 2030 Challenge is not just an aspirational goal—it’s a necessary transformation for the future of our planet. Architects, builders, and policymakers must work together to create a built environment that is both resilient and regenerative.

A passel of recent California laws were supposed to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing. According to YIMBY Law, they haven’t even come close

In Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It, urban planner M. Nolan Gray takes a deep dive into the history of zoning, its consequences, and how we can create better cities by reforming or even eliminating it altogether.

Residential architecture continues to evolve, driven by a commitment to creativity and customer satisfaction. The trends shaping 2025 and beyond—from smart technology and multifunctional designs to sustainable practices and age-friendly features—highlight the industry’s adaptability and innovation.

Something remarkable is happening on Santa Barbara’s Mesa. What might have been an ordinary demolition project is instead becoming a model for sustainability, innovation, and community impact. Crews are hard at work on a residential deconstruction project, carefully dismantling a home to salvage reusable materials and divert them from our already overburdened landfills.

The City of Ventura, in partnership with ForeFront Power, has started construction on two solar energy projects at Ventura Community Park and the Police/Fire Headquarters. Together, these projects will deliver 900 kilowatt-DC (kW DC) of renewable energy through solar parking canopies at both sites.

Steven Stenzler, left, and Michael Gunning, center, with moderator Mack Carlson, discuss the issues facing the housing industry in the year ahead. The panel was held at the 2024 Santa Barbara Housing Conference on Thursday, December 5.

Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive bipartisan housing package to build on California’s long-term strategy to help address homelessness and housing scarcity.