Building a More Affordable Future - One Backyard at a Time

By Samantha Hill CEO & Founder of Design With Skill

Affordable housing often feels like a challenge too big to solve. But what if the solution starts small, right in your own backyard?

That’s the thinking behind the Backyard Builders Program in Long Beach, and we’re proud to be part of the team helping make it a reality.

What is the Backyard Builders Program?

The Backyard Builders Program is a City of Long Beach initiative designed to increase affordable housing through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), small, fully equipped residential units built on existing properties.

Through this pilot, ten eligible property owners are receiving:

- Up to $250,000 in no-interest financing

- Free project management and technical assistance

- Support with design, permitting, and construction

- Guidance in choosing architects, builders, and contractors

- A new revenue stream through affordable rental income

In exchange, participants commit to renting their ADUs to income-qualified tenants at an affordable rate for a minimum of five years.

Small-Scale, Big Impact

At Design With Skill, we believe affordable housing solutions don’t always need to be large-scale to be transformative. Projects like Backyard Builders offer a shift in mindset: housing doesn’t just belong in new developments or city centers, it belongs in neighborhoods, too.

These ADUs are creating opportunities for everyday homeowners to:

- Become small-scale landlords

- Build generational wealth

- Support local housing needs

- Create more inclusive communities, without displacement

It’s a win-win for cities and residents alike.

Our Role

In partnership with Gina and the City of Long Beach, our team is acting as a liaison between homeowners, the city, and project teams. We support the program through:

- Accessibility and design consulting

- Navigating permitting and compliance

- Educating homeowners on best practices

- Helping cities implement programs efficiently

We’re honored to play a hands-on role in helping cities execute these programs with empathy, clarity, and results.

Why This Matters

When we talk about affordability, we often focus on numbers. But this work is about changing the culture around housing, making space for everyone in every neighborhood.

This is affordable housing placed gently in the heart of communities. In backyards, not high-rises. And it works.

Let’s Keep Building

Want to learn more about how to bring a similar program to your city?

Or thinking of adding an ADU to your own property?

We’d love to connect.