Blogpost

Is Your City Ready for the 7th Cycle Housing Element?

Why the 7th Cycle Matters

2.2 minute read

September 23, 2025

California cities and counties are entering the 7th Cycle of Housing Element updates—a process that will shape the future of housing, infrastructure, and community development across the state. For local agencies, timely certification isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a safeguard against losing local control and a key to protecting community priorities.

Why the 7th Cycle Matters

The Housing Element is the cornerstone of every General Plan. It demonstrates how jurisdictions will meet state-mandated housing needs while balancing infrastructure, environmental, and community goals. Certification by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is critical. Without it, jurisdictions face serious risks:

Builder’s Remedy projects that bypass local zoning
Loss of local control over housing decisions
Legal exposure and financial penalties

Lessons from the 6th Cycle

The 6th Cycle showed that jurisdictions that began early—at least 20 months in advance—were far more successful in securing certification on time. Many who delayed struggled with repeated HCD comments, costly revisions, and community pushback. The 7th Cycle raises the stakes even further, with firm deadlines and no room for error.

Key Steps in the Process

While every jurisdiction’s path looks different, the process follows a consistent framework:

Outreach – Engage residents, stakeholders, and special housing needs groups through workshops, surveys, and direct dialogue.
Public Draft & Comment – Release the draft Housing Element for review and input.
State Review – Submit the draft to HCD for evaluation and feedback.
Revisions & Resubmittals – Address comments, make changes, and repeat until HCD finds the plan compliant.
Certification – Achieve state approval to protect your community’s control and avoid penalties.

Each step takes time, and jurisdictions often cycle through multiple rounds of revisions. Starting early is the best way to avoid last-minute hurdles.

How Harris Can Help

Harris & Associates has decades of experience guiding cities and counties through Housing Element updates. Our team offers:

Housing Policy Expertise – Proven strategies to secure timely certification.
Community Engagement Specialists – Building trust and buy-in through transparent outreach.
In-House Environmental Experts – Streamlined CEQA analysis that keeps projects on schedule.
End-to-End Support – From planning and drafting to adoption and compliance.

We’ve seen the risks of delay and the benefits of proactive planning. By working with Harris, jurisdictions gain a trusted partner to navigate state requirements, avoid Builder’s Remedy, and deliver a Housing Element that balances compliance with community goals.

Act Now

The 7th Cycle is here. Deadlines are firm. The sooner jurisdictions begin, the smoother the path to certification. Harris is ready to help cities and counties take control of their Housing Elements—protecting local decision-making and creating stronger, more resilient communities.