Regional Housing Needs Assessment
What is RHNA?
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is mandated by State Housing Law as part of the periodic process of updating local housing elements of the General Plan. RHNA quantifies the need for housing within each jurisdiction during specified planning periods.
In March 2021, SCAG adopted its 6th cycle RHNA allocation plan, which covers the planning period October 2021 through October 2029. For the 6th cycle, SCAG received a need of 1,341,827 housing units, which was distributed to all 197 SCAG jurisdictions.
Communities use RHNA in land use planning, prioritizing local resource allocation, and in deciding how to address identified existing and future housing needs resulting from population, employment and household growth. RHNA does not necessarily encourage or promote growth, but rather allows communities to anticipate growth, so that collectively the region and subregion can grow in ways that enhance quality of life, improve access to jobs, promotes transportation mobility, and addresses social equity and fair share housing needs.
RHNA Reform
The 6th Cycle RHNA has led for requests for SCAG to pursue reform of the RHNA process. Several issues had been raised by stakeholders related to the regional determination methodology, the use of land planning factors in the SCAG RHNA methodology, and basis for RHNA appeals. As part of Assembly Bill 101, HCD is tasked with preparing a report on the RHNA reform and making recommendations to the State Legislature by December 31, 2023. To inform HCD’s recommendations for improving the RHNA process and methodology, HCD has been conducting a statewide engagement process. For information on HCD’s efforts, please visit HCD’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) page.
In July and August of 2022, SCAG staff conducted a stakeholder engagement process to gather input and feedback on RHNA reform. Staff reviewed the input and comments submitted during this process (available here) and have prepared draft recommendations. These draft recommendations will be reviewed and approved by SCAG’s Community, Economic and Human Development Committee and Regional Council in late summer of 2023. Once the recommendations are approved, they will be used to inform a comment letter that SCAG will submit to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in mid-September of 2023.
Click here to review SCAG staff draft recommendations from the August 16, 2023 CEHD agenda packet.
RHNA Reform Outreach Presentation
| Date | Action |
| May 15, 2023 | Kickoff SCAG RHNA reform outreach on draft recommendations |
| June 22, 2023 | Public listening session #1 |
| June 27, 2023 | Public listening session #2 |
| June 30, 2023 | End of SCAG outreach period |
| July 1, 2023 | HCD progress update to Legislature |
| Aug 16, 2023 | Special CEHD meeting |
| Sep 7, 2023 | Sept. Regional Council |
| Early Sept. 2023 | Submit comment letter on approved recommendations to HCD |
| Dec. 31, 2023 | Due date for HCD’s report to the Legislature on RHNA Reform |
RHNA Audit
In October 2021, the California State Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved an emergency audit to examine HCD’s regional determination process. The request for an audit was based on an assertion that the public had limited information on the formula that HCD uses to calculate the RHNA regional determination numbers, and cited confusion and mistrust among regional planning bodies and jurisdictions, and the need for an independent and objective review of the process.
Summary of Findings
- HCD made several errors regarding data calculations and does not have sufficient management review process
- HCD could not demonstrate consistency and work group recommendations regarding several factors, including jobs housing balance and housing destroyed during state of emergency, and Inconsistent application of comparable regions, as required by statute.
These errors and inaccuracies led HCD to understate regional determination for these 3 regions and possibly others. The audit outlined a series of recommendations for HCD and the California Department of Finance to improve the regional determination process, including the implementation of these recommendations in the coming year.
6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation, Methodology, and Regional Housing Needs Determinations
6th Cycle Final RHNA Allocation Plan - Adopted by Regional Council on 3/4/21 and amended on 7/1/21.
Final RHNA Methodology (Updated 3/5/20)
Final RHNA Methodology Data Appendix (Updated 3/5/20)
HCD Final Regional Housing Need Determination
Resources & Links
- California Department of Housing and Community Development
HCD is responsible for reviewing local housing element updates and providing comments in accordance with State housing law: California Department of Housing and Community Development.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Fair Housing Policy & Data
The FHEO administers and enforces federal laws and establishes policies that make sure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice: U.S. Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
- REGIONAL EARLY ACTION PLANNING
SCAG was awarded $47 million in Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) funding from Assembly Bill (AB) 101 to provide housing planning and process improvement services to cities and counties.
2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop Program Announced
Register today to join SCAG for the 2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SCAG offices in downtown Los Angeles. Online attendance is also available.
The program will gather local leaders, elected officials, and demographic experts to discuss how changing population growth affects regional planning—from accommodating development to improving quality of life and cultivating the economy.
2024 Southern California Demographics Workshop Registration Open, Keynote Announced
Registration is now open for the 2024 Southern California Demographic Workshop, “Navigating the New Growth Reality,” presented by SCAG and the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California. This 35th annual event will be held on Sept. 24 at SCAG’s main office in Downtown Los Angeles and will also be available to attend online.
Final State Budget Secures $480 Million for REAP 2.0 Program; Restores More Funding
The California State Legislature has approved the Budget Act of 2024, taking a major step forward in addressing the housing crisis by restoring funding to the Regional Early Action Planning Grants (REAP 2.0) program and other funding programs crucial to Southern California’s collective goals.
Regional Early Action Planning Program Update
On May 30, the legislative leadership in the State Assembly and State Senate announced the Joint Legislative Budget Plan. Thanks to the collective advocacy efforts of SCAG and its partners, the Joint Legislative Budget Plan restores funding for several programs cut under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s January Budget proposal and May Revision.
General Assembly Elects 2024-25 Board Officers
The General Assembly approved the nominations for the SCAG 2024-25 Board Officers as recommended by the Regional Council: Hon. Curt Hagman (County of San Bernardino) will serve as 2024-25 Regional Council president; Hon. Cindy Allen (City of Long Beach) will serve as Regional Council first vice president; and Hon. Ray Marquez (City of Chino Hills) will serve as Regional Council second vice president. Leadership also recognized Hon.
Connect SoCal 2024 Approved
The formal adoption of Connect SoCal 202
Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program of 2021 (REAP 2.0) Advocacy Updates
Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget announced on Jan. 16 includes $300 million in cuts to the Regional Early Action Planning program of 2021 (REAP 2.0) that will result in approximately $123 million in cuts from SCAG’s $246 million REAP 2.0 program.
Proposed State Budget Would Cut Funding for Regional Early Action Planning Grant Program
The proposed budget announced by Governor Gavin Newsom on Jan. 16 includes $1.2 billion in cuts to funding for housing programs, including $300 million for the Regional Early Action Planning program of 2021 (REAP 2.0).
Connect SoCal 2024 Public Comment Update
As part of the public comment period for the draft Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, SCAG hosted 15 briefings with elected officials in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. In all, 229 local elected officials, city and county staff and stakeholders participated in the briefings, where SCAG leadership shared details of the draft Connect SoCal 2024 and discussed implementing the plan’s vision for a more resilient and equitable future.
SCAG Adopts Carbon Reduction Program Guidelines
The SCAG Executive/Administration Committee approved guidelines for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) on Dec. 6, 2023. SCAG will be initiating a combined solicitation for project nominations for the CRP along with the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program—all FHWA funding programs—in Jan. 2024. Eligible entities should begin discussing potential nominations with their respective county transportation commission as soon as possible.
Draft Connect SoCal 2024 and Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Now Available for Public Comment
The SCAG Regional Council voted on Nov. 2, 2023, to release both the draft Connect SoCal 2024, the region’s 2024-2050 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) and the accompanying Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for public review and comment through Jan. 12, 2024. The comment period for the draft Connect SoCal 2024 plan begins on Nov. 23, while the comment period for the draft PEIR begins on Nov. 9.
Economic Summit Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for SCAG’s 14th annual Southern California Economic Summit on Dec. 7 at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles. Mark your calendars and register now to join leaders in business, planning and public policy to assess the state of the region’s economy.
Demographic Workshop Program Preview
Registration is open for the 34th annual Demographic Workshop, “The Seismic Generational Shift,” hosted by SCAG and the USC Price School of Public Policy on Sept. 20. This event will take place at the SCAG Main Office in downtown Los Angeles, with an online broadcast for virtual viewing.
SCAG Awarded $237 Million for REAP 2.0
The Department of Housing and Community Development has officially approved SCAG’s full funding application, awarding SCAG with more than $237 million in REAP 2.0 funds.
Update on the RHNA Reform Process and Schedule
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is crafting recommendations to reform the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process, which will be provided in a report to the California State Legislature by Dec. 31.
SCAG Leads Annual Regional Conference & General Assembly
SCAG kicked off the 2023 Regional Conference & General Assembly today in Palm Desert with a message from outgoing Regional Council President Jan Harnik and a video review of SCAG’s accomplishments from 2022-23.
SCAG Kicks Off Public Outreach Initiatives for Connect SoCal 2024
Every four years, SCAG updates its visionary plan for the future of the region, Connect SoCal. This process is now underway, and we want to hear from our stakeholders.
Please join us at a public workshop or pop-up event to learn more about the plan, ask questions and provide input. The purpose of these events is to gather input from each community to establish planning priorities for the next 20 to 30 years.
