Housing Element

What Is the Housing Element?

The Housing Element is one of the ten state-mandated chapters, or “elements,” of the City’s General Plan. It serves as a blueprint for how Madera will plan for and accommodate housing needs across all income levels, household types, and special-needs populations. Each city and county in California must update its Housing Element every eight years to reflect changing conditions and community priorities.

Madera is currently preparing its 6th Cycle Housing Element (2024–2032). The update outlines the City’s housing goals, policies, and programs to support a range of housing options and to comply with state requirements. The Housing Element must be reviewed and certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

Community input is essential to this process. Residents, property owners, and local organizations are encouraged to participate through meetings, surveys, and other engagement opportunities described below.

Community Meetings

Housing Element Community Meeting #1:
Watch Recording (March 21, 2023)
View Slides

Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a state-mandated process that determines how much housing each community must plan for at various income levels. The State’s HCD assigns growth targets to regional agencies, which then allocate them among local jurisdictions. Madera’s Housing Element must show that the City has adequate sites zoned for its share of future housing need and provide policies and programs to encourage that development.

While the City does not build housing directly, it plays a key role by ensuring that adequate land is zoned for housing, removing barriers to development, and partnering with organizations to support affordable and special-needs housing opportunities.

The Update Process

To prepare the 6th Cycle Housing Element, the City analyzes:

• Existing housing conditions, demographics, and housing stock
• City fees, zoning standards, and development processes
• Infrastructure and environmental constraints
• Fair and equitable housing opportunities for all residents
• Implementation of the current (5th Cycle) Housing Element programs

Based on this analysis, the City will identify goals, policies, and actions to meet current and future housing needs. The plan will also include a detailed site inventory showing where new housing can realistically be developed to meet Madera’s RHNA target.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) is a federal and state framework that requires communities to take proactive steps to promote fair housing, address segregation, and expand access to opportunity. The Housing Element must analyze local conditions and identify meaningful actions to advance equity and inclusion in housing.

Learn more about AFFH on the HCD website.

Community Engagement

Public participation is critical to creating a Housing Element that reflects community priorities. The City will continue to hold public workshops, focus groups, and Planning Commission and City Council hearings throughout the process. Updates and new meeting dates will be posted here as they become available.

The Public Review Draft of the 6th Cycle Housing Element is available below for a 30-day public comment period ending April 2, 2025. Community members are invited to review the draft and share feedback.

Comments or questions may be directed to Will Tackett, Community Development Director, at wtackett@madera.gov.

Housing Element Survey

Share your input on Madera’s housing priorities by completing our community survey:

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MaderaHEU
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MaderaHEU_Espanol

Draft 2024–2032 Housing Element Update

View the Draft Housing Element (2024–2032)