Lancaster, CA. June 3, 2026 – The City of Lancaster has been honored with the 2026 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Housing for Sustainability Award in recognition of its bold and transformative Housing Accessibility Initiative (HAI), a citywide effort dedicated to expanding equitable, sustainable, and innovative housing opportunities. Last year, the City won the SCAG award for the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Impact Fee Mitigation Program.

Driven by the mission “Creating Homes. Now.,” Lancaster’s HAI marks a significant shift away from traditional suburban development patterns toward a more diverse, resilient, and community-centered housing strategy. Following the assignment of a Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of more than 9,000 units and the adoption of the City’s latest Housing Element in 2023, Lancaster implemented a proactive three-pronged strategy focused on Identity, Funding & Facilitation, and Partnerships.

Through the Identity component, Lancaster repositioned itself as a forward-thinking, innovation-driven community committed to sustainable growth and housing accessibility. In 2025, the City earned California’s prestigious Prohousing Designation for streamlining development approvals and advancing innovative housing solutions, including the strategic use of city-owned land for affordable housing projects.

Lancaster’s Funding & Facilitation strategy leveraged state grants and regional partnerships to accelerate housing production and revitalize underserved neighborhoods. The City secured CalHome grants supporting mobilehome rehabilitation and first-time homebuyer assistance, REAP 2.0 funding to modernize its Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) district, and LEAP funding for the Parkway Village Specific Plan, which is expected to accommodate more than 4,000 future housing units in a walkable, mixed-density environment.

Most notably, Lancaster’s Partnerships strategy produced unprecedented housing outcomes between 2022 and 2024, including 2,960 approved housing units, 1,867 units issued building permits, and 1,716 completed occupancies. Signature developments include the 420-unit Desert Meadows Apartments and Townhomes community, the fully leased Imagine Village II supportive housing development serving residents with special needs, and the innovative Sagewind and Ravello communities, which integrate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs into modern neighborhood design.

“Housing affordability and accessibility are among the most important challenges facing California today, and waiting for someone else to solve the problem was never an option,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “Lancaster has taken an aggressive, innovative approach to creating housing opportunities for residents at every stage of life. This award reflects our commitment to removing barriers, accelerating development, and building a community where more people have the opportunity to call Lancaster home.” 

The City also prioritized vulnerable and underrepresented populations through projects such as Pacific Topaz, an active-adult community for residents aged 55 and older, and Sierra Azul, a 228-unit, 100% affordable multifamily development planned on city-owned land.

Together, these efforts reflect Lancaster’s continued commitment to dismantling historic barriers to housing, expanding meaningful choices for residents, and cultivating neighborhoods that reflect the diversity and aspirations of the community. This comprehensive and intentional approach ensures that Lancaster is not merely building homes, but building a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable future for all. 

Creating homes. Now.

About The City of Lancaster 

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.