INCLUSIONARY HOUSING IN CALIFORNIA - THE EXPERIENCE OF 2 DECADES

Answering the call for a ''new comprehensiveness'' in planning chat en hances community equity this paper presents a case study of Inclusiona ry Housing (IH), a program that can foster both residential integratio n and affordable housing. IH in California has evolved in response to, and has adapted to changing economic and political conditions. Survey findings for 75 IH programs show that they have produced more than 24 ,000 units, provide flexibility to the developers in meeting program r equirements, establish affordability terms that are usually met at 30 years or longer, and Favor moderate-income home buyers. Interviews wit h planners in San Diego County reveal chat IH programs are usually est ablished as a response co an actual or perceived threat of litigation due to noncompliance with state ''housing element'' law. Planners can enhance a new comprehensiveness by emphasizing state mandates and regi onal housing needs and by pursuing IH as one of the regulatory choices available to decision-makers.