In a meeting on July 11, the Planning Commission reviewed recent changes to the affordable housing guidelines. The commission held a study session to give feedback on the revisions and to discuss how the changes would impact those applying for and developing affordable housing. The changes will affect the occupancy priority list, which determines who is eligible and who is given priority to receive an affordable housing unit.
The current affordable housing guidelines were adopted by the city in 2016 in accordance with the Housing Crisis Act, the state density bonus, and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. They include guidelines on how to apply for affordable housing and a priority list for those who meet the requirements. At the meeting, Associate Planner Christine Delostrinos presented a review of the 2023 affordable housing program. As she explained, the city’s contracted affordable housing consultant, HouseKeys, was assigned to review the guidelines and the commission was asked to consider the group’s recommendations. In the current plan, the city plans to provide units for 52 households, 45 of which will be for those who fall under the very-low-income limit. However, only eight of the 52 rentals are existing units. 15 of the units have been approved for entitlement and 29 are still under review. “The city anticipates continued growth of affordable housing units due to state housing law,” said Delostrinos.
