Santa Barbara County has been awarded California’s Prohousing Designation and $1.25 million in Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) funding, recognizing the county’s efforts to expand housing opportunities, streamline development, and support affordable housing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the designation and PIP awards on Aug. 20 as part of $11.3 million awarded to 13 California communities that have earned the state’s Prohousing Designation.

Santa Barbara County is one of 10 jurisdictions to earn the designation for the first time since October 2025.

“Investing in our communities by creating more homes is an investment in California’s future — fostering greater stability, strengthening families, and building more resilient communities for generations to come,” Newsom said.

“Through strong local partnerships, we’re delivering results and creating more opportunities for Californians to have a safe, affordable place to call home,” he said.

Santa Barbara County earned the designation for expanding where and what types of housing can be built, streamlining the approval of multifamily projects, and investing in affordable and special-needs housing, including permanent supportive housing.

The designation and $1.25 million award will help the county build on these efforts, county officials said.

“Prohousing Incentive Program funding will support affordable housing production and preservation and implementation of the County’s Housing Element,” they said.

The Prohousing Designation also provides greater access to state funding opportunities for housing and infrastructure.