Accept Report Regarding Town's Housing Element and Housing ProgramsDATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 2/21/98
ITEM NO.
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
February 18, 1998
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN MANAGER
ACCEPT REPORT REGARDING TOWNS HOUSING ELEMENT AND HOUSING
PROGRAMS
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report regarding Town's Housing Element and Housing Programs.
BACKGROUND:
The Town's Strategic Plan describes Los Gatos as a "complete community including residential, business and industrial
elements." It encourages housing affordable to all income levels so that the Town may remain a complete and diverse
community. The California State Legislature has identified "a decent home and suitable living environment for all" as one
of California's most critical issues. In June 1997, Town Council adopted Resolution 1997-56 updating the General Plan
Housing Element which is aimed at meeting Town and State Objectives. The Housing Element includes identification and
analysis of existing and projected housing needs and a statement of goals, policies, quantified objectives, financial resources,
etc. In short, it identifies the status of Town housing and housing programs and identifies major housing issues (listed below
in priority order) for the Town for the 1996-1999 timeframe.
1. Develop new units affordable to very low, low and moderate income households.
2. Preserve existing affordable units.
3. Re -define Town commitment to affordable housing.
4. Conserve existing housing stock.
5. Continue existing housing programs.
6. Re-evaluate the Housing Conservation Program.
The Town manages a number of different housing programs. As stated in previous reports to Council, the Town's intent
is to comply with State priorities and requirements, and to:
1. maintain a diverse community reflective of all ages, incomes, races, and ethnic backgrounds;
2. allow young adults to continue to live in the Town in which they were raised;
3. avoid becoming a "rich" enclave of Santa Clara County;
4. offer a choice of housing opportunities for low and very low income seniors, families, and singles;
5. enable more people to live and work in Town, including police officers, teachers, grocery clerks, etc;
6. provide for the construction of housing adequate for future populations and replacement needs; and
7. do the right thing for the community.
PREPARED BY: Regina A. Fa Lee Bowman,
Community Servi. 'rector Planning Director
Reviewed by: Ottorney âś“Finance Revised: 2/18/98 12:37 pm
Reformatted: 10/23/95 CSD38A:1cncIrpts1housin2.rpt
ATTACHMENT
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: ACCEPT REPORT REGARDING TOWN'S HOUSING ELEMENT AND HOUSING
PROGRAMS
February 18, 1998
DISCUSSION:
The Town's Housing Element consolidates our multi -faceted approach to meeting housing goals. By managing a
number of different housing programs the Town takes advantage of opportunities when market or funding conditions
are favorable and de-emphasize programs when they are not.
Since the late 1970's, the Town's affordable housing programs have resulted in the development or rehabilitation of 421
housing units occupied by very low, low or moderate income households. This means at least 1,000 individuals in Los
Gatos have been provided affordable housing or helped with home rehab, without the use of general fund monies.
It is imperative that the Town coordinate its housing programs to ensure the funds are used to maximize the availability
of affordable housing. The Housing Element states that, "The Town will evaluate the need to create a staff position that
will coordinate all of the Town's affordable housing policies and programs and be responsible for monitoring and
evaluation of those programs." Although Town staff successfully monitors and coordinates established housing
programs and policies, assistance is needed in coordinating strategies to develop additional affordable housing using
available funds. Some of the funds discussed below are in jeopardy of being reclaimed if they are not allocated within
the next year. Staff will begin working with appropriate volunteer bodies to draft a report to Council identifying options
for spending the funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS:
This project is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Assistance to develop affordable housing should be paid from Housing Set -Aside and Below Market Price fees.
Estimated contract cost is $20,000. Sufficient funds are available in these areas to cover the cost.
Distribution:
Community Services Commission
Planning Commission
Redevelopment Advisory Committee