The Draft Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Methodology and Final RHNA Subregional Shares were approved by the ABAG Executive Board on January 21, 2021, meeting a major milestone in the multi-year RHNA process.
ABAG’s Draft RHNA Methodology is similar to the Proposed RHNA Methodology released in October 2020 with two notable differences. First, it incorporated 2050 Households projections from the Plan Bay Area 2050 Final Blueprint, whereas the Proposed Methodology used projections from the Draft Blueprint. Second, in response to public comments, it integrated the “equity adjustment” that was originally proposed by several HMC members.
As required by law, ABAG submitted the Draft RHNA Methodology to HCD for its consideration and review on February 11, 2021, kicking off a 60-day statutory review period for the State. However, several key steps in the RHNA process remain; major milestones in coming months include:
- Late Spring 2021: after receiving feedback from HCD, ABAG will adopt a Final RHNA Methodology and release Draft Allocations.
- Summer and Fall 2021: release of the Draft Allocations kicks off the period in which a local jurisdiction or HCD can submit an appeal to ABAG requesting a change to any Bay Area jurisdiction’s allocation. Requirements for the appeals process are outlined in Government Code Section 65584.05 and ABAG will be releasing more detailed guidance in early summer.
- Late 2021: the ABAG Executive Board will adopt Final Allocations, taking into consideration the results of the appeals process. This final adoption will also include a public hearing.
- January 2023: Housing Element updates are due to HCD.
Email RHNA@bayareametro.gov with questions or concerns.