Accelerating affordable housing: Tackling bottlenecks in a growing housing market

As the demand for affordable housing has grown, SHRA’s internal systems needed a boost, in particular: 

• Documents were spread across drives and folders 
• Creating status reports quickly was challenging .
• Application reviews needed to be streamlined 

It was clear that the process needed updating to allow more time for staff to  focus on SHRA’s mission of expanding affordable housing opportunities.

‍

The search for clarity and speed

To eliminate duplication, reduce delays, and provide a single source of data for its projects, SHRA turned to Builders Patch to modernize its deal intake, underwriting, and closing. The platform offered:

• Standardized file storage: Easier organization and faster retrieval of documents. Dynamic reporting: Staff can now generate filtered reports  instead of manually searching.
• Smart checklists with information: Instructions are embedded directly in the platform, saving time and reducing developer questions regarding applications.
• Centralized intake: Ensures submissions are complete and consistent, so staff can move quickly into substantive review.

‍

Implementation that just works

SHRA staff described the rollout as smooth and intuitive. Training with developers was particularly seamless. Staff noted that   “The platform is intuitive." Developers asked few questions, confirming that the system was easy to use from day one.

SHRA’s environmental review team also quickly adopted the platform. They found that using the information consolidated in Builders Patch streamlined the required environmental review documentation and process. 

‍

Smarter workflows, real-time results

The transformation was immediate and measurable:

• Pre-applications reviews. With Builders Patch, the data required for the pre-application review was compiled in 1-2 days versus up to two weeks with the previous manual process. ‍
• File storage is standardized and easy to find. The file storage system on Builders Patch is intuitive and allows for quick access to all documents needed in the deal.‍
• New Reporting Features Reports can be createds “in a few seconds flat.”‍
• Developers need less training and support. During the 2025-26 application periods, developers asked very few questions and were able to quickly and easily adapt to the Builder’s Patch platform.
• ‍Specialized reviews are easier for other departments who are involved in the affordable housing process such as the Environmental review team
  

‍

Already a million steps ahead

For SHRA staff, the impact of Builders Patch goes beyond convenience, it has fundamentally reshaped how they manage affordable housing deals. With standardized workflows, faster reporting, and intuitive tools, SHRA is building capacity to move more projects forward, more quickly.

‍

Looking ahead: Building capacity for more affordable housing

By digitizing its workflows with Builders Patch, SHRA has freed up staff time, created a more predictable process for developers, and positioned itself to process deals faster, directly advancing its mission to increase affordable housing opportunities in Sacramento.

Next, SHRA is exploring the AI capabilities in Builders Patch for automated memos, compliance tracking, and portfolio-level analytics to further accelerate housing delivery and neighborhood revitalization.

By digitizing its workflows, SHRA has freed up staff time, created a smoother process for developers, and positioned itself to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing across Sacramento. With standardized workflows and instant reporting, SHRA can review projects more efficiently and make data-driven decisions that keep Sacramento’s housing pipeline moving.

Cover image: Marisol Village, Sacramento