New Placer County policy tries to prevent locals from being priced out of housing

Placer County residents and workers will soon have an advantage in accessing affordable housing after the Board of Supervisors approved an Affordable Housing Priority Applicant Policy on Monday.

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Starting July 1, households with at least one adult who currently lives, works or previously lived in Placer County within the past 10 years will receive priority consideration for affordable housing units in Western Placer County and the Tahoe-Truckee area.

Previously, there was no special consideration given to applicants who had lived or worked in the county.

Placer County Housing Manager Nikki Streegan said the policy is intended to help ensure community members are not pushed out of the places where they live and work because of rising housing costs.

“This policy is about helping local residents and workers stay in Placer County as housing costs continue to rise, while also supporting the businesses and communities that depend on them,” she said.

The priority consideration will apply only to new affordable housing projects that receive land-use permits on or after July 1.

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Some special housing projects are exempt, including housing for seniors, veterans and homeless support programs.

The county said housing managers must use a fair lottery system and demonstrate compliance with the policy’s rules.

The policy was developed following board direction in 2025 and includes safeguards to ensure compliance with state fair housing laws, according to county officials.

A fair housing analysis conducted by consultant Street Level Advisors found the policy is unlikely to disproportionately disadvantage any racial or ethnic group applying for affordable housing. Affordable housing operators will be required to include the preference program in tenant selection and marketing plans for eligible projects.

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