Davis Affordable Housing Plan Advances to Social Services Commission

The proposed Willowgrove development's affordable housing component will be reviewed by the city's Social Services Commission.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The proposed Affordable Housing Plan for the Willowgrove development in Davis, California is advancing through city review, with the Social Services Commission set to consider its approval. The 232.4-acre Willowgrove project would include 1,250 dwelling units with a mix of attached and detached single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and deed-restricted affordable apartment units.

Why it matters

The Willowgrove project is a significant development for Davis, which has struggled with affordable housing shortages. The city's review process allows for feedback from various commissions to help shape the final proposal before it goes to the Planning Commission and City Council.

The details

The Affordable Housing Plan exceeds the city's minimum affordable housing requirements, proposing to build 250 deed-restricted affordable units in partnership with Mutual Housing California and Alta California Regional Center. The plan includes provisions for financing, timing, and oversight to ensure the affordable units are constructed.

  • The Social Services Commission will review the Affordable Housing Plan in February 2026.
  • If approved, the project would proceed to a Measure J/R/D vote and require additional actions like annexation by late spring 2026.

The players

Dana Bailey

Social Services and Housing Director for the City of Davis.

Iris Grace

Affordable Housing Manager for the City of Davis.

Mutual Housing California

An affordable housing developer that is partnering with Willowgrove to provide inclusive housing, including units for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Alta California Regional Center

A project partner with Willowgrove to provide housing for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“The proposed Affordable Housing Plan for the Willowgrove development, a 232.4-acre subdivision planned for northeast Davis, is advancing through city review, with the Social Services Commission set to consider whether to recommend its approval to the Planning Commission and City Council.”

— Dana Bailey, Social Services and Housing Director (davisvanguard.org)

What’s next

If the Social Services Commission recommends approval, the Affordable Housing Plan will move forward to the Planning Commission and City Council for formal hearings and a potential Measure J/R/D vote.

The takeaway

The Willowgrove project's Affordable Housing Plan represents a significant effort by the City of Davis to address its affordable housing needs, with a focus on inclusive housing and partnerships with experienced affordable housing providers.