Housing Element Update “Request for Proposal” Template

Created by the Association of Bay Area Governments, this document can be used as the template for developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for hiring a consultant to undertake a Housing Element Update, including potential rezoning and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) work. It is a helpful source of task-specific language to include in a solicitation to consultants.

Download the Housing Element Update: Request for Proposals template.

The template includes:

  • Background: Sets the context for your update and general expectations regarding the services needed
  • Scope of Services: Identifies the specific work tasks you need the consultant to perform, including:
    • Project Management and Coordination
    • Community Outreach and Engagement
    • Housing and Special Housing Needs 
    • Housing Constraints
    • Existing Housing Element 
    • Sites Inventory 
    • Goals, Policies, Programs and Quantified Objectives
    • Rezoning [Optional Task]
    • Draft Housing Element and Public Hearings
    • Final Draft Hearings, Final Adoption and Certification
    • CEQA Documentation

All jurisdictions in the Bay Area must update their Housing Element for the 2023-2031 planning period. The deadline for completing the update and submitting the adopted element to HCD is January, 2023.