Every eight years, California cities are required by law to update the Housing Element of their General Plans and receive certification from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

In 2015, Hercules adopted its current Housing Element, which lasts until 2023. Now it's time for the next update, the 6th in the City's history. This new Housing Element was required to be adopted by January 31, 2023. The City has been working in good faith to revise the Element to satisfy HCD since submitting it in July 2022. 

Having a certified Housing Element also qualifies the City for many housing- and transportation-related grants, including those needed to construct the Hercules Hub.

The Housing Element also responds to State requirements that cities "affirmatively further fair housing" through deliberate actions that explicitly address disparities resulting from past and current patterns of segregation to foster a more inclusive community.

Public Engagement Plan

Our new Housing Element Update should engage the entire community. That's why we've launched a Public Engagement Plan (PEP) to make sure that community members are informed, educated, and involved in the planning process.

We have created many engagement opportunities, including:

• Community Surveys
• Public Workshops
• City Council Presentations and Workshops
• Planning Commission Presentation and Workshops
• Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups

You can check out upcoming opportunities in the table above.

Annual Housing Element Progress Reports

Listed below are the annual progress reports that the City of Hercules has submitted to HCD for each of the last few years. These reports are required under Government Code Section 65400, which stipulates that each city and county in California prepare an annual progress report (APR) on the status of the housing element of its General Plan. 

• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2023 (pdf)  
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2022 (pdf) 
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2021 (pdf) 
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2020 (pdf)
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2019 (pdf)
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2018 (pdf)
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2017 (pdf)
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2016 (pdf)
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2015 (pdf)
• Hercules Annual Housing Element Progress Report - 2014 (pdf)

Additional Resources:

• HCD's Guide to Housing Elements
• City of Hercules's 5th Cycle Housing Element
• Contra Costa County's 5th Cycle Housing Element