Equitable neighborhood development policies in Sacramento and Rocklin received acclaim during a recent Urban Land Institute Technical Advisory Panel focused on nationwide best practices to increase housing in Tampa, Florida.

 Lessons from the Sacramento area that focused on consideration for the preservation of existing units, removing development impediments and speeding up timelines were cited among best practices the City of Tampa could model to generate more attainable housing units. Specifically, the panel recognized the City of Sacramento’s recently adopted streamlining ordinances and procedures and incentive options currently being considered by the City of Rocklin among nationwide best practices.

 The Technical Advisory Panel report, City of Tampa Housing, Equity + Health, further identified nationwide opportunities for intervention that could help gentrification and displacement pressure in Tampa’s neighborhoods. Specifically, tracking existing properties to make investments to preserve affordable units. Citing the City of Sacramento’s incorporation of an Anti-Displacement / Gentrification Study into its Central City Specific Plan to get ahead of the impacts of a growing central city, the report stresses the importance of putting anti-displacement strategies into place.  

“It is important to note that gentrification does not necessarily equate to displacement and when there is less displacement, residents who stay in the communities can benefit from the reinvestment,” said John Hodgson, President of the Hodgson Company.

 Convened to build recommendations for Mayor Jane Castor of the City of Tampa, the ULI Technical Advisory Panel experts – including Sacramento’s John Hodgson – volunteered their time virtually across eight days to draw on best practices from across the country to advise the City of Tampa on how to further the City’s housing and equitable development goals. With more than 40 local community stakeholders interviewed during the process, including City Councilmembers, developers, community and business leaders, the process culminated with a final presentation to Mayor Jane Castor of the City of Tampa and city staff.

 Sacramento’s prioritization of programs and policies dealing with anti-displacement and gentrification as well as simplification, streamlining and reduced or deferred fees are critical components of a holistic approach to address housing affordability. While Tampa is one of the hottest markets in the country right now – #5 on the 2021 ULI Emerging Trends in Real Estate Report published by ULI and PwC in comparison to Sacramento’s #53 spot – Sacramento is well-positioned to meet much of what’s ahead in the industry. Read the Anti-Displacement Report for the City of Sacramento. 

Read the report: City of Tampa Housing, Equity + Health.