City's Homebuyer Program A Success

The program, which provides interest-free loans of up to $20,000 to qualifying first-time homeowners living and working in the city, has eased the strain of the affordable housing crisis for low-income families.

1 minute read

May 24, 2001, 8:00 AM PDT

By California 2000


The Carlsbad Homebuyer Assistance Program is a housing trust fund established in 1994, as a response to state requirements that cities' general plans account for the future housing needs of community members from all economic segments. Through the Homebuyer program, an interest-free loan of up to $20,000 is available to qualifying first-time homeowners living or working in the city. Homeowners agree to share with the city a percentage of any profits from the sale of their home before the loan is paid off. Loan payments begin in the sixth year, and the loan must be fully repaid 15 years after purchase. Money recouped by the city is returned to the housing trust fund to benefit other affordable housing programs, and to provide incentives to builders constructing low-priced housing units. A spokesman for the program reported no defaults, no late payments and just one home resale in the program's seven year history.

Thanks to California 2000 Project

Sunday, May 20, 2001 in North County Times Escondido-Oceanside-Vista

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City