Development Services

RCHDC’s Development Department is committed to expanding the availability of affordable housing in rural Northern California. The development service offers a range of expertise necessary to acquire real estate, obtain entitlements, and finance the development of housing from the ground up. Like any commercial real estate development service, we specialize in utilizing public subsidies and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to be able to serve low-income households.  We also have experience applying existing California land use laws (such as those resulting from AB-2162 and SB-35) available to facilitate affordable housing development. In the last 5 years, RCH’s development service has produced 230 new construction housing units in six locations, renovated 93 units in two locations, and currently has 40 units under construction.

Concept

RCHDC takes pride in working collaboratively with local city and county governments to fulfill their housing needs. To understand and plan for a project that meets those needs, we focus on five essential components – building a project-specific team, ensuring community involvement, knowing the market and target population, assessing the development type options, and matching the appropriate funding sources. Each of these components requires planning, research, and action-based informed decisions.

Pre-Development

With a project vision in place, RCHDC will start sifting through available site information, obtaining site control, conducting preliminary due diligence such as a market study, appraisal, and environmental reports, reviewing the entitlement processes, ensuring the project conforms to local zoning, developing a budget, and securing financial opportunities. RCHDC has extensive experience using state and federal grants and loans. From completing successful funding applications to ongoing monitoring, our area of expertise is working through the regulations for properties with highly layered financing packages.

Construction

Once all financing is secured, RCHDC will work with the selected contractor and design team to obtain building permits from the local jurisdiction. With decades of experience, the development team has a successful history of completing projects on time and within budget. Once construction is complete and the local municipality determines all health and safety requirements have been met, a certificate of occupancy is issued. RCHDC then turns over the project to the property management department which will take over leasing, management, resident services, and long-term operations.

Green Building

RCHDC is increasingly embracing green building components. One of the most significant advantages is integrating energy-efficient appliances, windows, and superior insulation into our developments, significantly reducing energy consumption. RCHDC also uses non-toxic materials, combined with effective ventilation and air filtration systems, to create healthier living environments. RCHDC is furthering its attainment of green building by pursuing net zero energy design in its new construction developments. This photovoltaic design is a forward-thinking approach to multifamily housing that fosters a sustainable and resilient environment. The green building components in our multifamily housing represent RCHDC’s commitment to social responsibility, benefiting individuals, communities, and the planet alike.

Community Building and Engagement 

Community outreach and engagement is a strategic process where RCHDC works collaboratively with stakeholders, City and County governments, and service provider entities, to engage with the local community. RCHDC connects with communities to receive input and help achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes, processes, and relationships. This framework is based on the guiding principles that respect the right of all community members to be informed, consulted, involved, and empowered. Engaging with the communities we develop housing in fosters and enhances trust, assists us in managing conflicting opinions and ideologies, mobilizes resources, and can serve as a catalyst for change by broadening the scope and shifting the focus from the individual entity to the collective. RCHDC believes that all community members have the right to participate in the discussion and be a part of the decision-making. Engaging with the community early in the development process ensures that our project vision is compatible with the local needs.

Coordinating with Service Providers

RCHDC prides itself in serving diverse populations throughout our developments to further our mission of providing affordable housing to all low- and moderate-income persons. RCHDC has been successful in strengthening relationships with multiple community-based service providers and City and County government entities. Through careful planning and coordination, RCHDC and our service providers design strategies of development, supportive services, and property management to provide extensive onsite wraparound mental health services, case management, community engagement workshops, and classes at no charge to our residents. These strategies are integral in ensuring the success of our communities’ ongoing operations.

The Development Department has extensive knowledge in all phases of development related to ground-up new construction and acquisition rehabilitation projects. We enjoy working with a wide range of businesses, contractors, and other partners.

Bidding Information

Thank you for your interest in bidding on an RCHDC project. For more information on the bidding process and current opportunities, please contact us at (707) 463-1975 or email info@rchdc.org.