What is TCAC/HCD Opportunity Map?
A The TCAC/HCD Opportunity Map, developed by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), classifies California neighborhoods based on access to resources and opportunities. The map is updated periodically, with the most recent version available on TCACÕs official website.
Neighborhood Categories
- Highest Resource: Strong access to high-quality schools, job opportunities, clean environments, and transportation.
- High Resource: Good access to essential resources but slightly lower than the highest category.
- Moderate Resource: A mix of strengths and weaknesses in available resources.
- Low Resource: Significant challenges in accessing key resources and economic opportunities.
- High Segregation & Poverty: Areas characterized by high levels of racial/ethnic segregation and concentrated poverty.
Why is it Important?
- Affordable Housing: The map is primarily used to prioritize locations for affordable housing development under CaliforniaÕs Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Developers receive higher incentives to build in ÒHigh ResourceÓ and ÒHighest ResourceÓ areas to expand access to opportunity.
- Real Estate Market Trends: While TCAC does not evaluate property values, higher-resource areas often correlate with higher property values and more stable appreciation trends due to access to high-quality amenities and economic opportunities.
- Community Investment : State and local agencies use the map to guide infrastructure and development investments, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
- Neighborhood Insights: The map provides a data-driven overview of key factors like school quality, job accessibility, environmental conditions, and transportation infrastructure.
The TCAC/HCD Opportunity Map is a valuable tool for policymakers, developers, and homebuyers, helping to shape affordable housing policy, guide community investments, and provide insights into neighborhood resources across California.
