APPROVE MINUTES
For 09/30/2025
HOUSING AND LAND USE COMMITTEE
PRESENT: Councilmember Andrew Sandoval, Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas, Councilmember Aurelio Salazar ABSENT:
STAFF: Vincent Montgomery, Planning Manager; Francisco Brambila, Management Analyst; Luis Rodriguez, Community Development Analyst; Monica Flores-Ponce, Community Development Analyst; Stephen Acker, Senior Community Development Analyst; David Vigil, Administrative Analyst; Laura Gama, Administrative Analyst
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 3:31p.m.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
No Public Comment
CONSENT
ID#25-422 Minutes from September 30, 2025, Housing and Land Use Committee Meeting Recommendation: Approve minutes from September 30, 2025 Housing and Land Use Committee Meeting.
AYES: Jose Luis Barajas, Andrew Sandoval, Aurelio Salazar NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
CONSIDERATION
ID#25-421 Developmental of Future HLUC Agenda Topics
During the discussion of future agenda topics on September 30, 2025, the council members recommended the following items for consideration:
1. Housing Affordability in Salinas
Overview of Housing Affordability: Discussion on the current state of housing affordability in Salinas, focusing on rent, mortgage, and utility costs.
Comparison to Similar Cities: Comparative analysis of housing affordability in Salinas vs. other similar cities.
United Way’s “Real Cost of Living” Tool: Presentation by United Way on the Real Cost of Living tool, covering basic living expenses and housing affordability in Salinas.
Update on City-Owned Properties: An update was requested on the status of city-owned properties, including any ongoing assessments for potential housing-related uses.
2. Zoning Reform and Regional Planning
Zoning Overview: Discuss zoning regulations, including lot size limits and cost of housing production in Salinas.
Environmental Impacts: Review environmental impacts of current zoning practices and future zoning reform.
Regional Planning Coordination: Coordination with surrounding areas and counties to align zoning reforms and address regional housing needs.
3. Permit Process and Housing Development
Types of Permits: Overview of various permits required for housing development in Salinas (e.g., building permits, planning permits, etc.).
Turnaround Time: Discussion on permit turnaround times and strategies to streamline the process for housing development.
Density and Parking Minimums: Explanation of density requirements and minimum parking requirements for new housing projects.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Presentation on ADU regulations, permitting, and their role in increasing housing supply.
Permit Services: Overview of services available to assist developers and property owners through the permit process.
4. Rent Stabilization and Housing Services
Echo Housing Services: Presentation from Echo Housing on their services related to rent stabilization, rent registration, and assistance with rent increases. Discussion on how these services can help stabilize rental markets in Salinas.
5. Pipeline Projects and Housing Production
Workforce and Transitional Housing: Overview of upcoming and ongoing workforce and transitional housing projects, including timelines and expected impact on Salinas housing market.
Workforce Housing Needs: Discuss workforce housing pipeline projects and strategies for meeting affordable housing demands for essential workers.
6. Economic and Development Strategies
Value Capture Zoning: Presentation on value capture zoning, a strategy to harness land value increases resulting from development and reinvest those resources into affordable housing.
Developing Opportunity Reserves: Discussion on creating opportunity reserves for affordable housing development to ensure long-term affordability and investment in underserved areas.
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Community Input
Non-Profit and CBO Presentations: Allow community-based organizations (CBOs) and non-profits to present their work, housing programs, and recommendations for addressing housing challenges in Salinas.
Collaboration Opportunities: Discussion on opportunities for better collaboration between the city and non-profits to improve housing and service delivery.
8. First-Time Homebuyer Support
Barriers and Challenges for First-Time Homebuyers: Discussion of the primary barriers that first-time homebuyers face in Salinas, such as down payment challenges, affordability, and access to financing.
Opportunities for Investment and Support: Explore ways the city can help first-time homebuyers through investment strategies, such as down payment assistance programs, affordable mortgage options, and education on homeownership. Discuss potential partnerships with non-profits, local lenders, and community groups to reduce barriers and increase access to homeownership for low- and moderate-income individuals.
Administrative Reports
ID#25-419 2025-2026 Multi-Family Notice of Funding Availability Update Recommendation: No action required. Receive an Administrative Report on the 2025-2026 Multi-Family Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) ID#25-420 Housing Production Dashboard Update
Recommendation: No action is required. Received Administrative Report on Housing Production Dashboard development.
Public Comments on ID#25-420:
Community Member 1 inquired whether existing city-owned properties could be utilized for transitional housing purposes.
Community Member 2 asked if city-owned properties could be considered for use as emergency shelters.
End Time: 4:23 p.m.