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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
DATE: MARCH 26, 2024
FROM: HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: AFFORDABLE HOUSING STUDY UPDATE
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 14
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, receive and file a final draft report completed by HR&A outlining techniques to increase the supply of affordable housing in Anaheim and, as appropriate, provide staff with direction on any desired next steps.
DISCUSSION:
In late June 2023, City Council directed staff to begin the process of identifying a qualified consultant to provide guidance to the City on programs, policies, and other possible techniques to advance the production of affordable housing in Anaheim.
Five firms were identified through this process. After initial discussions on the scope of work and deliverables with potential bidders, three firms elected to submit proposals for consideration. The selection process included a review of relevant, current experience, strength of the consultant team, and ability to deliver the study in a timely manner. Based on the strength of the proposal, staff engaged HR&A advisors to complete the affordable housing study for Anaheim.
HR&A has deep expertise in the full range of housing production, preservation, and protection policies and programs across California and the nation. Their recent body of work includes formulating and implementing linkage fees, anti-displacement, and naturally-occurring-affordable-housing preservation policies in cities and counties across California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Azusa, Hayward, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and elsewhere across the U.S. They have also been instrumental in supporting Los Angeles County’s recent housing production and preservation efforts, having produced a comprehensive site acquisition strategy for its Affordable Housing Acquisition Fund. Their expertise also extends to advising on housing trust funds, vouchers, fees, and public land joint development for affordable housing.
The final draft of the report is now complete. A copy of the document was forwarded to all members of the City Council in late February 2024. A copy of the draft report was also provided to the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board.
Affordable Housing Study Update
March 26, 2024
As requested, the report provides information on land use policies, financing tools, and other programs for consideration. The report is comprehensive, formatted to provide information on policies and programs, and pros and cons of each tool described. Staff requested the inclusion of City examples as well so that if the Council would like to evaluate any strategy further, we can get more detailed information from experienced practitioners.
For the purpose of reviewing the study in greater detail, staff has invited the HR&A team to join us at this meeting. Staff is also preparing to discuss the strategies that have already been employed in Anaheim and yielded success and to receive any direction provided by Council next steps.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Costs associated with the completion of the initial Affordable Housing Study were identified in the Housing and Community Development Department FY 23-24 budget.
Any additional study related expenditures are contingent on direction provided by City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Grace Ruiz-Stepter
Director of Housing and Community Development
Attachment:
1. HR&A Study – Description of Techniques to Increase Housing Supply in the City of Anaheim