DATE:
March 15, 2022
TO:
Christine Daniel, City Manager
FROM:
Charles S. Bryant, Community Development Director
SUBJECT:
Housing Committee’s Annual Report On Committee Goals, Principles And Accomplishments For Calendar Year 2021; And Proposed Committee Priorities For Calendar Year 2022
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept this report on the Housing Committee’s accomplishments in 2021 and proposed priorities for 2022.
Committee Goals and Principles
The Housing Committee provides input and recommendation regarding City policies, priorities and feedback related to the City’s housing policies and programs.
Accomplishments for Calendar Year 2021
2020 Housing Element Annual Progress Report: The Housing Committee reviewed and recommended that the City Council approve the 2020 annual progress report on Housing Element progress. This report describes implementation of programs in 2020, and housing production from the beginning of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (“RHNA”) implementation period, which began on July 1, 2014. This item was approved by the City Council. 2019/2020 Housing Successor Annual Report: The Housing Committee reviewed and recommended that the City Council approve the FY 2019/2020 annual report on Housing Successor Activities. This report describes housing assets and activities of the Housing Successor that occurred in 2019/2020. This item was approved by the City Council.
HOUSING TOPICS DISCUSSED IN CALENDAR YEAR 2021
2021 Below Market Rate (“BMR”) Housing Affordability Table: The Housing Committee reviewed the 2021 Housing Affordability Table for Sales Prices, Rent, and Income Limits, pursuant to the Affordable Housing Program. The City updates the Housing Affordability Table annually based on the State of California Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) annual release of Alameda County income limits. This item was adopted by the City Council.
Purchase/Resale of BMR Unit in Jeopardy of Losing its Affordability Restrictions: The Housing Committee discussed the City’s option to purchase an existing BMR unit at risk for losing the affordability restriction and was supportive of the City Council’s action to acquire the property for resale to an income-eligible homebuyer.
Development Opportunities Program Guidelines: The Housing Committee began discussion of potential income targeting and project guidelines for the Development Opportunities program within the Affordable Housing Bond Administration and Expenditure Plan. Discussion of this program’s guidelines will continue in calendar year 2022 and will require City Council action prior to implementation.
Solar Power for Residential Structures: The Housing Committee requested a discussion of residential solar programs. Nancy Humphrey, Environmental Programs Supervisor provided the Housing Committee with a presentation on the various types of programs and resources that could assist residents with implementing solar improvements to their homes.
Cycle 6 Housing Element: The Housing Committee had multiple meetings to assist in the development of the 2023-2031 Housing Element of the General Plan. Data and information was discussed and feedback gathered from the committee on the following:
Performance on the 2015-2023 Housing Element Goals, Policies and Programs Engagement strategies to be implemented to gain community input Existing housing conditions
Housing needs assessment
Impact of previous and current policies to address fair housing needs Review of potential site inventory to reach the RHNA production number and income targeting goals Top Priorities for Calendar Year 2022
The Housing Committee will prioritize providing input and taking action on the following in 2022:
Reports
• 2021 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
• 2020/2021 Housing Successor Annual Report
• Cycle 6 Housing Element
Policies & Programs
• 2022 BMR Housing Affordability Table
• BMR Homebuyer Guidelines
First Time Homebuyer (“FTHB”) Guidelines
Development Opportunities Guidelines
• Pro-Housing Designation Program
First Highlighted Priority
The Housing Committee’s first priority will be the review of the Cycle 6 Housing Element, which, once adopted by City Council, will guide how Emeryville will support the production and stabilization of housing for all income groups, especially those at low and very-low income, in an equitable manner that meets the needs of the community.
Second Highlighted Priority
The Housing Committee’s second priority will be to assist staff by providing input on guidelines for a variety of the programs within the Housing Bond Administration and Expenditure Plan prior to City Council review and adoption. Some of the program guidelines anticipated are the FTHB Program, Development Opportunities Program and Rental Rehab Program.
Conclusion
The Housing Committee has spent the majority of 2021 focusing on the Housing Element and that work will continue in 2022. The Housing Committee continued to meet remotely through Zoom and converted from monthly to bi-monthly meetings in the fall of 2021. There was a high turnover in committee members in 2021, but the committee has pressed forward and is very eager to continue to advise the City Council on housing policy issues.
PREPARED BY: Valerie Bernardo, Community and Economic Development Coordinator II REVIEWED BY: Chadrick Smalley, Economic Development and Housing Manager Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
Christine Daniel, City Manager
Housing Committee Annual Report
City Council Meeting | March 15, 2022
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM