In 1993, the Carlsbad City Council made “caring” an official doctrine by adopting an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. The Ordinance requires that not less than 15% of all residential units in any master plan, specific plan or residential subdivision must be set aside for occupancy by and be affordable to lower-income households.

Built in 1996, as a direct result of this Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Villa Loma was developed to meet the affordable-housing obligation of several market-rate developments and was the City’s first affordable housing complex. It received an Award for Excellence from the State of California. At the time it was the largest tax credit development ever built in the State.

Villa Loma provides 344 affordable apartment homes for households earning at or below 50% and 60% of the area median income. It is located in the growth center of northern Carlsbad. The community is comprised of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes.

The 17-acre community includes two swimming pools, a clubhouse, a basketball court, a computer learning center, and children’s play areas. Villa Loma also won an award from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Organizations.