Walnut Creek Seeks Affordable Housing Proposals, Launches Grant Pilot

Developers seeking affordable housing loans from the City of Walnut Creek must submit proposals by 5 p.m. on Dec. 14. About $2.33 million is anticipated for loans and a new grant pilot supporting housing within city limits.

Approximately $2.13 million is planned for loans exceeding $100,000, capped at 25% of project budgets. Eligible applicants include experienced nonprofit and for-profit developers, joint ventures and partnerships. Projects must demonstrate site control, be partially funded and have begun the city approval process, with priority for extremely low- and very low-income housing.

Email loan packets to housing@walnutcreekca.gov with “Affordable Housing Development Request for Proposal: Loan” in the subject line. Paper or USB submissions may go to the Housing Team, Community Development Department, 1666 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Submissions must arrive by the deadline, and applicants must obtain a Housing Team confirmation email, not an automated receipt.

The Affordable Development Accelerator Program initially has $200,000 for grants of up to $100,000 per applicant. Separate applications open Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, and continue on a rolling basis through Sunday, Dec. 31, 2028, subject to funding. Developers may apply alongside a project's city entitlement application or afterward, without complete financing or construction readiness. Priority goes to developers and projects outside the existing affordable housing pipeline.

Grants reimburse eligible predevelopment costs and city entitlement fees incurred starting Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, proportionate to affordable units, after required approvals. Single-family-only and accessory-unit-only projects are ineligible. A project cannot pursue both programs in FY27.

Written questions are due Friday, Nov. 13, with responses scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 25. Contact housing analyst Jennifer Llamas at housing@walnutcreekca.gov or 925-256-3544, and review application requirements. City Council loan review and award notifications are scheduled for May 2027.