City of Rialto Achieves Housing Element Compliance, Opening Path for Affordable Housing Opportunities

Rialto, CA — The City of Rialto has officially adopted a Housing Element at its City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 10, bringing the city into alignment with California housing law and marking a significant step toward expanding affordable housing opportunities for residents.

The adoption follows strong advocacy from the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) and more than 100 Rialto residents who engaged over three years for the city to take action to address the housing crisis. Among those voices were families displaced by recent fires at the Vista View Apartments on South Cactus Avenue, who lost their homes and are seeking pathways back to stable housing.

With last night’s vote, Rialto now has a clear framework to increase housing inventory, particularly affordable housing, and to ensure the city meets its obligations under state housing regulations.

“This is an important victory for Rialto residents who have been advocating for safe, stable, and affordable housing in their community,” said Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice. “For the families who lost their homes and for the many residents struggling with rising housing costs, this Housing Element represents a critical step toward rebuilding and ensuring Rialto remains a place where working families can live and thrive.”

CCAEJ played a key role in empowering community members throughout the process to advocate for stronger commitments to affordability and equitable housing development. Mayor Joe Baca Jr. emphasized the significance of the milestone and the opportunity it creates for the city.

“Adopting a compliant Housing Element allows Rialto to move forward with a clear plan to expand housing options and invest in our community’s future,” said Mayor Joe Baca Jr.. “This is about creating opportunities for residents, supporting families who have been displaced, and ensuring our city continues to grow in a way that benefits everyone.”

With adoption now achieved, pending final HCD approval for compliance, Rialto can move forward with housing programs, development opportunities, and state partnerships that were previously limited while the city has been out of compliance since 2021. On March 10 the the City Council also voted to amend the Zoning Code to include affordable housing overlays that will give new permission to build affordable housing under the revised zoning rules. These new policies clear the way for substantial new housing development in Rialto.

CCAEJ and community leaders say they will continue working with the city to ensure the Housing Element leads to real investments in affordable housing and long-term stability for Rialto residents. We are thankful to our attorneys at Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) and Public Interest Law Project (PILP) for the hard work and collaboration that got us to this huge victory.

About CCAEJ

The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental justice, community empowerment, and the protection of human health in underserved communities. Through advocacy, education, and grassroots organizing, CCAEJ works to address environmental issues and create sustainable and equitable communities for all. For more information, please visit www.ccaej.org or follow us on social media platforms @ccaej.