Several California counties have been designated as "prohousing" communities by the state government, including the state's most populous county.

Los Angeles County has been officially recognized as a "prohousing" community by the state and Gov. Gavin Newsom, per KTLA. This designation is given to communities actively working to build more homes, reduce construction and development costs, and create housing policies with a "growth mindset."

Los Angeles County was one of 10 counties given the distinction with the others including Berkeley, Brea, Crescent City, Fairfield, Pinole, Rancho Cucamonga, Richmond, South Lake Tahoe and West Hollywood, bringing the total number of communities in the Prohousing Designation Program to 47.

In a press release, Gov. Newsom emphasized the importance of this designation, stating, "California is making progress – but we can do better. At a time when the state is facing a housing crisis, every local jurisdiction should be stepping up to earn this distinction."

Despite California's high cost of living and severe housing shortage, the prohousing designation carries significant benefits. Communities recognized as prohousing gain exclusive access to certain grants, incentives and resources for competitive housing, community development, and infrastructure funding programs administered by the state. These additional resources aim to accelerate efforts to build more housing.

"Earning the Prohousing Designation requires a strong, demonstrated commitment to tearing down barriers and working to create more housing, faster," said Gustavo Velasquez, director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. "I am grateful and hopeful when I see so many communities working with my team to learn what they can do to be great partners in the effort to ensure housing stability for all Californians."

California currently has a statewide goal of building 2.5 million new homes by 2030, with at least 1 million of those homes designated as "affordable." The Governor's Office stated, "This critical goal can only be reached if local governments actively work to implement state housing laws and follow best practices that go above and beyond the minimum requirements."

For more information on the program and a list of California's prohousing communities, visit the California Department of Housing and Community Development website.

The Afternoon News with Kitty O'Neal