Title
Recommendation to Discuss State Budget Trailer Bill, Concerning Streamlining Affordable Housing Approvals, and Consider Directing the Mayor to Send a Letter Opposing the Proposal in its Current Form. (City Manager 2110)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Recommendation to Discuss State Budget Trailer Bill, Concerning Streamlining Affordable Housing Approvals, and Consider Directing the Mayor to Send a Letter Opposing this Proposal in its Current Form
BACKGROUND
On June 15, 2016, the California Legislature adopted a $123 billion General Fund budget plan for the State of California. The final budget included spending increases from the Governor's originally proposed budget in January, such as child care and single-parent welfare payments, and transferred $2 billion more than what is required by law to the state's reserves, a strong priority for Governor Brown.
Another priority for the Governor is the Housing "by-right" proposal, a trailer bill included in the 2016-17 state budget, designed to increase affordable housing in communities. The California Department of Finance recently released an updated version of this proposal. The 2016-17 state budget also includes $400 million for Affordable Housing; however, that funding is contingent on lawmakers approving the by-right proposal. The proposed Trailer Bill, Streamlining Affordable Housing Approvals, will be delayed until August when the Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess.
The California League of Cities is opposing this proposal. Of primary concern is the loss of local control. The proposal excludes elected City Councils from land use decisions. Another key concern is the removal of the public review process. Public hearings are important to communities, as they allow residents to inform decision makers of their support or opposition of a project, and this input often improves the outcomes of housing projects.
Giv...
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