State-mandated housing element approved, Sunnyvale to boost residential development

SANTA CLARA COUNTY’S second largest city just got its housing plans approved by the state, kickstarting 45 programs to increase development and put a dent in the housing crisis.

After three rounds of review by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Sunnyvale’s housing element was approved March 6 — more than a year after its Jan. 31, 2023 deadline. City leaders feel hopeful the eight-year planning document will be the ticket to increasing affordable housing and hitting state-mandated goals.